NBA: What Every Team Should Be Thankful For In 2016-17

Oct 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (middle) during the national anthem before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (middle) during the national anthem before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
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April 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward
April 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward

LA Lakers

Kobe Bryant Retiring

The Los Angeles Lakers have a ton to be thankful for. First off, though, they should be thankful that Kobe Bryant decided to go through with his retirement. Now that he’s elected to hang up his sneakers, the Lakers are fun again. They’re rejuvenated and actually have a young group that is easy to root for.

Couple their young talent with one of the rising coaching stars in the NBA, Luke Walton, and you can see why there’s a ton of optimism in Laker Land.

The Lakers are not only a fun watch, but they’re actually pretty good. They’re in the playoff hunt out West. Question is, as is the case with almost every young team, can they continue their momentum?