Preseason: Lakers vs Jazz (10/25/13)/Season Preview

In the final preseason game the Lakers bested the Jazz 111-106. The Lakers finished the preseason with a 4-4 record. That record won't impress many, and it absolutely doesn't mean much, but if you've been paying attention so far you'll see that this team has some promise.

Heading into the regular season tonight let's look at things we learned from these 8 practice games, and the question marks that still remain:

What we learned:

-Nick Young can score in bunches. Even better is the fact that he showed some ability to facilitate in the preseason. If his play remains at the level it has been, he's worth more than what the Lakers paid for him. He very well could stick around for next year and beyond.
-Pau and Kaman play well together. Their skill sets compliment each other and they weren't horrible defensively.
-The young guns can run run run. Farmar, Henry, Johnson, and Hill have been effective in a young athletic 2nd unit that runs D'antoni's offense nicely. Perhaps more impressive than that is the fact that they can extend their defense and put pressure on the ball with traps and presses.

What we want to know:
-When will Kobe return? (Looks like he's about 3 weeks to a month away at this point from reading reports and quotes from himself on how long it takes him to get in shape.)
-Is Steve Nash done? He has moments where he looks as sharp as ever. And then he has moments where it looks like his body can't do much more. The Lakers success this season depends largely on his health. Or else Farmar or Blake will have to elevate their games.
-Where does Kaman fit? Is he better served as a backup big to Pau, or as a frontcourt partner playing next to him?
-Which of abandoned young guns with a lot to prove will have a breakout year? Young, Farmar, Henry, Johnson, and Williams all have a lot to prove and are in contract years.

This year promises to be really fun. We have a team with a nice mix of vets and young players who seem to get along great. Lakers head athletic trainer Gary Vitti recently stated this team had the most chemistry (locker room) of any team he's seen in his 30 years with the team. Just pray for health so that this team can reach its full potential.

So sit back and enjoy the ride! The Lakers till off tonight at 7:30pm and the Clippers.

LET'S GO LAKE SHOW!!!