The Los Angeles Lakers have undergone a transformation in the wake of star guard Kobe Bryant’s retirement. Roughly half of the roster is new; fresh faces to go along with the start of the next era. Head Coach Byron Scott was shown the door, replaced by the likable Luke Walton. Even longtime athletic trainer Gary Vitti has taken his final bow, opting to retire alongside Bryant.
Yet, in the midst of all of the change, new opportunities are created. With Walton’s recent announcement that Brandon Ingram would start the season on the bench, the Lakers starting five is largely set with the exception of the power forward spot, which will be fought over by Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr.