The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled mightily all season, to say the least. The Purple and Gold have the second worst record in the league with a 14-51 record. They will likely finish with the worst record in franchise history for the second year in a row.
But the Lakers have reason for hope with three young players waiting to take over the franchise as soon as legendary shooting guard Kobe Bryant retires. That transformation has already begun, with the trio of D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson starting to put together complete games on a consistent basis.
On Tuesday, that success came to a high point with all three young players boasting strong efforts in a 107-98 win over the Orlando Magic. After a confidence-boosting and completely unexpected win over the Golden State Warriors, the young Lakers continued their recent emergence. Combined, the three players scored 74 points on an efficient 29-52 shooting, keying the Lakers victory. Additionally, the outing led to an interesting factoid about the long-term potential of this group:
"Last time an NBA team had 23+ points from 3 different players 23 years or younger… OKC Westbrook, Durant and Harden"
— Eric Yee (@ericdyee) March 9, 2016
D’Angelo Russell, featured in the video above, has been especially great since the All-Star break coinciding with his reinsertion into the starting lineup. In ten games during that stretch, the rookie point guard has averaged 19.4 points and 4.6 assists per game. Additionally, he has been shooting 47.9% from the field and a sizzling 47.4% from three. On Tuesday, he continued those efforts with 27 points, three assists, two rebounds, and three steals along with shooting 11-19 from the field.
Russell’s backcourt mate, Jordan Clarkson, has been one of the most consistent scorers on the team. The sophomore shooting guard did just that once again against Orlando with 24 points (9-17 from the field and 5-12 from three) but also added five rebounds and three assists.
Finally, sophomore power forward Julius Randle continued his high energy play. The double-double machine put up solid numbers again with 23 points (9-16 from the field) and 11 rebounds. Additionally, Randle showcased the versatile skillset that has many having high expectations for his long-term potential.
It was an altogether successful night for the Lakers who once again look like a competent basketball team. There may be negative consequences to the wins that the team is now putting together. The Lakers first round pick is top-three protected, meaning they will forfeit it to the 76ers if they fall out of the top three in lottery standings. But as most Lakers fans, including myself, will tell you, winning more games is a risk that is worth the development and emergence of the trio of D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson.
