Lakers rumors: Can they make the playoffs?

Change of scenery

Getting over Kobe Bryant was one thing. Changing head coaches and moving on from Byron Scott was a whole different story.

While both were necessary, the shifts have had two very different effects on the Lakers.

For instance, playing without Bryant has eased the younger players into being themselves. It’s not hard to tell that their offense flows much better without the now-retired legend.

As hard as that is to come to grips with, it’s not going to change anytime soon.

D’Angelo Russell and Byron Scott butted heads way more than any coach-player relationship ever should.

The clear distaste for each other took its toll on chemistry, keeping the team back from their full potential.

Hiring Luke Walton changed the direction of this team dramatically. With their immediate and long term future considered, Luke Walton gave the franchise a chance to truly start over.

With rookie sensation Brandon Ingram coming into the picture, there was too much young talent to let Byron Scott mismanage.

Now that the major players for the Lakers are returning to full health, their head coach will ultimately decide how to play out the rest of the season.