The biggest question entering the upcoming NBA season is the health of Kobe Bryant. The 38-year-old has struggled with injuries that past two years and without time on his side, the window is nearly shut on the future Hall of Fame star playing for another championship.
Its been reported that the veteran is moving to small forward, a move that should have been made five years ago. Playing the three spot will limit his workload and allow the younger players to take control of the floor and allow this team to start the rebuilding process they need.
DeAngelo Russell was taken in the first round, much to the surprise of the fans and many basketball experts, but his style of play should open the floor and allow the players around him to use their skills to play towards the basket and not rely on outside shooting as much this season.
Roy Hibbert was also added over the summer and while the big man isn’t an NBA superstar, he has made the All Star game in his career and will give the “Purple and Gold” a defensive presence in the paint they haven’t had in years.
The news gets better for the LA Lakers with last years top pick Julius Randle back from his broken leg and ready to begin his professional career. The young power forward still needs experience, but he has all the tools to help lead this team with Russell into the future and hopefully a championship before their careers with the team are finished.
Last year is over and hopefully this proud franchise won’t have to play through a season like that again. 2015-16 should see this squad take a major step forward and with some luck on the injury front, 35-plus victories are in the cards and if this team can build some momentum, they could reach .500 and challenge for a spot in the top eight in the Western Conference.
