In post-Kobe era, Lakers respond with strength.

Brian Shaw, former Lakers player, is the new assistant coach of this young Lakers team. Shaw is an old-school Phil Jackson disciple that wants to play traditionally and expects his players to be men on and off the basketball court.

His tenure with the Denver Nuggets may have ended poorly, but Kobe Bryant openly voiced his desire for Shaw to become head coach seasons ago, but the front office went in a different direction. We'll never know how the Bryant and Shaw-led teams might've fared in today's NBA, but Shaw will have the opportunity to help coach D'Angelo Russell (whom has shown improvement in Summer League, nailing buzzer-beaters and guiding rookie Brandon Ingram, whom is showing strides of his own).

Coming with Shaw is ex-Spurs assistant coach, Ime Udoka, taking over in Byron Scott's shoes as head coach, and it's an easy transition as Udoka is in a relationship with Hollywood actress Nia Long with whom Udoka has a child. Coming to LA will be a smooth change of scenery, and with him Udoka brings the tutelage of famed Coach Popovich. "Time for him to spread his wings for LAX", Popovich said in congratulating Udoka on the promotion.

D'Angelo Russell will lead the team on the floor, and the full roster (as of now) is listed below. Udoka and Shaw will preach discipline and the importance of defense. Udoka will also implement the "Spurfection"-like value of up-tempo basketball and ball movement, emphasizing long-distance shooting. With players like Russell and Ingram, the Lakers will have no trouble with offense. Ingram also offers defensive skill as the Lakers took him #2 overall in the NBA Draft.

In the offseason, the Lakers acquired big-man Timofey Mosgov, who Mitch Kupchak had been scouting throughout the 15-16 NBA season. Luol Deng, formerly of the Bulls, Cavaliers and Heat, will also join the purple and gold revival, bringing defensive knowledge to Brandon Ingram. Jordan Clarkson has also re-signed for 4 years/50 million, hushing rumors of DeMar DeRozan taking his place (who quickly re-signed with the Toronto Raptors).

This young team will undoubtedly struggle, but the future is brighter than it was. The Lakers have fired Byron Scott, who quickly became the most hated man in LA (despite his past Lakers player career) once he began to hinder the growth of the young prospects, especially D'Angelo Russell, and emphasizing a style that did not fit the talents of the players. It also doesn't hurt that Kobe Bryant says he "is always around" to offer his knowledge and experience to the youth movement, as well as Metta World Peace.