It'll be a different world for L.A. Lakers fans this 2016-2017 season. For the first time in two decades, L.A. won't have Kobe Bryant to anchor their attack. While that reality may still qualify as culture shock for some, it may actually not be as bad as it sounds to those willing to give these new look Lakers half a chance.

Loaded With young Talent and the Potential Starting 5

If nothing else, the young and talented crew of D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram promises to be exciting.

Mix the veteran moxie Luol Deng, Timofey Mozgov and Lou Williams bring and the Lakers would appear to have the makings of a team that could be respectable. Just what that translates to mean in terms of wins and losses in the rough and tumble Western Conference remains to be soon, but a least Lakers fans can count on not having to suffer through another 17-65 season.

With Deng and rookie coach Luke Walton, both proven professionals, the Lakers are looking to quickly reestablish their winning ways and leading the charge could be the fast-rising Russell, who figures to start alongside Clarkson, Randle, Deng and Mozgov.

Russell Concentrating on Hoops

Early on in his rookie season, the former Ohio state star was garnering attention for all the wrong reasons, but late in the year the slick ball-handling wiz seemed to finally get a handle on things. That trend has continued over the off-season, with Russell recently turning heads in a series of scrimmages against the gold medal winning Olympic team led by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

After one particular run, Pacers star swingman Paul George signaled Russell and Randle out by name as being among those who most stood out from the USA Select Team.

"His ability to understand the game, see the floor, make a play, display leadership characteristics...I think that's his gift," Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak raved just a year ago when the Lakers grabbed Russell with the second pick of the draft.

With Walton now in his ear, word is the 20-year-old point guard has taken to quizzing the former Warriors assistant about all the steps two-time reigning MVP Steph Curry took in now being saluted as he is.

It should all resonate as music to the ears of Lakers fans.

Lakers 2016-17 Roster

Tariq Black

Anthony Brown

Jose Calderon

Jordan Clarkson

Luol Deng

Marcelo Huertas

Brandon Ingram

Ryan Kelly

Timofey Mozgov

Larry Nance Jr.

Julius Randle

D'Angelo Russell

Robert Sacre

Lou William

Metta World Peace

Nick Young

Ivica Zubac