Sir Charles in Charge
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Los Angeles Lakers 2017-18 season primer: Can Lonzo bring showtime back?

By John Kachnowski

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally altered) Lonzo Ball of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally altered) Lonzo Ball of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 15: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets debuts the new jersey during the unveiling of the New NBA Partnership with Nike on September 15, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 15: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets debuts the new jersey during the unveiling of the New NBA Partnership with Nike on September 15, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /

Key Losses

D’Angelo Russell (via trade)

D’Angelo Russell seemed to be a perfect fit for the Lakers back when he was drafted by the Los Angeles franchise with the second overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. His first two seasons in LA certainly had its ups and downs. The first down came when he accidentally posted a Snapchat video of then-teammate, Nick Young, talking about hooking up with women on road trips while he was in a relationship with Iggy Azalea.

This event labeled Russell as a “snitch” for life. While this incident is in the past, it is something that will linger in the heads of his teammates for the rest of his career. D-Lo played well in his two-year Laker tenure. He scored the ball well from pretty much anywhere but did most of his damage from downtown. His style of play just did not fit what the Lakers needed.

"“D’Angelo is an excellent player,” Johnson said Friday when the Lakers introduced their top draft pick, point guard Lonzo Ball, at their practice facility. “He has the talent to be an All-Star. We want to thank him for what he did for us. But what I needed was a leader. I needed somebody also that can make the other players better and also [somebody] that players want to play with.” per ESPN’s Baxter Holmes"

Timofey Mozgov (via trade)

Timofey Mozgov had a short stint as a Laker, much to the chagrin of the Laker faithful. The Lakers signed Mozgov to one of the worst contracts in recent history. Mozgov’s career averages are 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game.

The Lakers decided they would sign him to a four-year deal worth $64 million. Wow. He only suited up for 54 games in his single season in LA. Including him in the D’Angelo Russell trade clearly seemed to be the motive for the exchange. The loss of Timofey Mozgov will certainly prove to be a huge benefit for the future of the franchise.

Nick Young (via free agency)

“Swaggy P” was definitely a fan-favorite for the Los Angeles Lakers. In his four-year stint in the purple and gold, Nick Young provided an offensive punch off the bench, averaging 13.1 points per game and shooting 37.7% from deep. What he brought on offense he lacked on defense, a type of build that did not fit the Lakers’ future plans.

His new situation in Golden State suits him perfectly as his lack of defensive presence can be shadowed by his Warrior teammates. His departure was a sad day for Laker fans, but both Young and the Lakers are headed in better directions without each other.

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