5 Reasons Why Los Angeles Lakers Will Improve Significantly In 2015-16

5 Reasons Why Los Angeles Lakers Will Improve Significantly In 2015-16

By George Middleton

July 8, 2015

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5 Reasons Why Lakers Will Improve Significantly In 2015-16

Kobe Bryant Jordan Clarkson Lakers — The Lakers have been brutal the past two seasons. They have won 48 games in that stretch, whether it's due to a lack of talent or injuries. Kobe Bryant and the Lakers are surely not used to losing, and they should take a big step from the previous few years. The Lakers have a young core of players with star potential, and here are five reasons why things are looking up in Los Angeles.

The Lakers have been brutal the past two seasons. They have won 48 games in that stretch, whether it's due to a lack of talent or injuries. Kobe Bryant and the Lakers are surely not used to losing, and they should take a big step from the previous few years. The Lakers have a young core of players with star potential, and here are five reasons why things are looking up in Los Angeles.

5. Possibility of Kobe Bryant's Last Season

Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers

5. Possibility of Kobe Bryant's Last Season

Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers — Kobe Bryant can't single-handedly win some games the way he did 3-4 years ago or in his prime, but he will produce. Last season the 36-year-old played in 35 games before going down with a torn rotator cuff. He averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists. The problem was that Bryant shot an uncharacteristic 37 percent from the field. Expect Bryant to go out with a bang this season, if it's his last.

Kobe Bryant can't single-handedly win some games the way he did 3-4 years ago or in his prime, but he will produce. Last season the 36-year-old played in 35 games before going down with a torn rotator cuff. He averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists. The problem was that Bryant shot an uncharacteristic 37 percent from the field. Expect Bryant to go out with a bang this season, if it's his last.

4. Undrafted Talent

Jabari Brown Los Angeles Lakers

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4. Undrafted Talent

Jabari Brown Los Angeles Lakers — Last season rookie Jordan Clarkson was the gem of the draft. The Lakers had two undrafted rookies who produced when given the minutes. Jabari Brown averaged 11.9 points and 2.1 assists in 19 games. Tarik Black averaged 7.2 points and 6.3 rebounds in 38 games with the Lakers. Both players will come at a cheap cost and look to have a nice role on a deep Lakers bench.

Last season rookie Jordan Clarkson was the gem of the draft. The Lakers had two undrafted rookies who produced when given the minutes. Jabari Brown averaged 11.9 points and 2.1 assists in 19 games. Tarik Black averaged 7.2 points and 6.3 rebounds in 38 games with the Lakers. Both players will come at a cheap cost and look to have a nice role on a deep Lakers bench.

3. Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson

Julius Randle Los Angeles Lakers

3. Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson

Julius Randle Los Angeles Lakers — Julius Randle was supposed to have a big impact last season, but he suffered a broken leg in the regular season opener. After a few workouts and summer league practices, there is a lot of chatter of Randle being much more explosive and a better outside shooter. Jordan Clarkson was the steal of the draft without a doubt, averaging 11.9 points and 3.5 assists. In 28 games after the All-Star break, he averaged 16.7 points and 5.4 assists.

Julius Randle was supposed to have a big impact last season, but he suffered a broken leg in the regular season opener. After a few workouts and summer league practices, there is a lot of chatter of Randle being much more explosive and a better outside shooter. Jordan Clarkson was the steal of the draft without a doubt, averaging 11.9 points and 3.5 assists. In 28 games after the All-Star break, he averaged 16.7 points and 5.4 assists.

2. Veteran Acquisitions

Roy Hibbert Los Angeles Lakers

2. Veteran Acquisitions

Roy Hibbert Los Angeles Lakers — The Lakers have added a nice group of veterans in the offseason after not landing a big name free-agent. They traded a second-round pick for Roy Hibbert and signed free agents Louis Williams and Brandon Bass. Hibbert doesn't impact the game the way he did a few seasons ago, but he's still an upgrade at center. Williams is a terrific scorer who won the sixth man of the year award last year. Bass is a good midrange shooter.

The Lakers have added a nice group of veterans in the offseason after not landing a big name free-agent. They traded a second-round pick for Roy Hibbert and signed free agents Louis Williams and Brandon Bass. Hibbert doesn't impact the game the way he did a few seasons ago, but he's still an upgrade at center. Williams is a terrific scorer who won the sixth man of the year award last year. Bass is a good midrange shooter.

1. D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo Russell Los Angeles Lakers

1. D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo Russell Los Angeles Lakers — D'Angelo Russell was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft after a dominant freshman season at Ohio State. Russell averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists, showing he's a do-it-all threat who can shoot the ball well and make plays for teammates. The Lakers chose Russell over center Jahlil Okafor for a reason. Russell has the ability to take over an NBA game from day one. The future is bright for the Lakers.

D'Angelo Russell was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft after a dominant freshman season at Ohio State. Russell averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists, showing he's a do-it-all threat who can shoot the ball well and make plays for teammates. The Lakers chose Russell over center Jahlil Okafor for a reason. Russell has the ability to take over an NBA game from day one. The future is bright for the Lakers.

George Middleton is a Los Angeles Lakers beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgemiddlet0n, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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