The New Look Lakers

Last night, LeBron James and the newly improved Los Angeles Lakers took on the defending champions, Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas for a highly-anticipated preseason matchup. Whether or not the Lakers are skilled enough, and have enough depth to be serious playoff contenders, or maybe even championship contenders has been the talk of the league ever since LeBron decided to join the western conference back in the evening of July 9th. Many believe LeBron James is aging and needs to add another major piece to truly make a deep run in the playoffs. However, those who tuned in to last night's matchup between James's Lakers and Steph Curry's Warriors would completely disagree.

The Lakers were clicking on all cylinders. Kentavius Caldwell-Pope got the Lakers started off early with a few quick buckets, draining a couple from deep. Pope never let his foot off the gas, as he tallied his highest scoring game of the pre-season, ending with 20 points. A performance of this magnitude, against the number one team to beat in the NBA, can only help Pope in the race for the starting two spot, which is by no means secure. James did much of the same as he added 15 points 10 rebounds and 5 assists in 18 minutes played. Brandon Ingram's scoring, Javale McGee's athleticism, and Lance Stevenson's energy off the bench also kept the Lakers afloat.

Although this is only the pre-season, and Draymond Green and Demarcus Cousins were inactive, Lakers fans can't help but to feel excited, and confident heading into the season, having taken down the best in the West. I may be making a hasty statement

when I say the LakeShow is back, but I can't wait to find out.