Coming into this season there is a new sense of optimism surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers. With Luke Walton taking over as head coach and inheriting a young core bursting with potential led by D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, and Brandon Ingram, the Lakers look like a team on the rise.
Training camp is officially underway and the feeling around the team is one of positivity and that is being felt by everyone. Russell in particular is clearly excited about where the team is headed.
Russell took to Twitter on Friday night with a message for Lakers fans, letting them know that something special is in the works:
We really got something special going over here Laker fans ????
— D'Angelo Russell (@Dloading) October 1, 2016
Ever since Walton became the coach of the Lakers, Russell has spoken time and again about his relationship with Walton and enjoying the way things are being run. He isn’t the only person who has noted the difference in the team now compared to last season.
Players such as Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. have spoken about the new environment that they enjoy. Everything surrounding the Lakers just seems more positive and for a team coming off a 17-win season, that is outstanding.
Now it will be on these young Lakers to keep things going once the games begin. The talent is obvious and that is likely part of what has Russell so excited. It’s not just the obvious guys such as Russell and Ingram, players like Yi Jianlian and Marcelo Huertas have reportedly impressed so far in camp as well.
Outside expectations aren’t high for the Lakers as very few expect them to make a huge leap as far as wins go. It is obvious however, that things are changing with this franchise. Russell feels it and he made it a point to let the fans know.
