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Lakers Season Opener: 5 Things To Watch For

By Keith Rivas

Oct 9, 2016; Ontario, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) and forward Nick Young (0) celebrate against the Denver Nuggets at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The Lakers defeated the Nuggest 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Ontario, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) and forward Nick Young (0) celebrate against the Denver Nuggets at Citizens Business Bank Arena. The Lakers defeated the Nuggest 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Luke Walton has to show up

Oct 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton (right) talks to an official during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Valley View Casino Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton (right) talks to an official during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Valley View Casino Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles went all in on the idea of changing their identity in the off-season.

That sort of a change isn’t complete without a shift in head coach, which the team achieved by sending Byron Scott on his way.

While turning to another former player to try and coach their young team has its concerns, it’s up to Luke Walton if he’s going to continue treating the job like he did in the beginning.

One of the major problems under Byron Scott was a lack of chemistry.

Not only were there problems between teammates, but the relationship between their then-rookie point guard and the coach weren’t great.

D’Angelo Russell was at the center of both major chemistry issues, but his work in the pre-season has told us he’s move don.

Leading the team without Kobe Bryant will be a big enough challenge — Luke Walton has to lead the charge.

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