LAKERS-Timberwolves Halftime Post

MIN 51 LAL 60

Welcome in to the halftime post of the Lakers' opening matchup of the 2015-16 NBA season vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves where the Lakers lead 51-60 at the half.

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Bench. Just simply, what a difference a year makes between last year's bench and this year's bench. The Lakers have two capable scorers off the bench. Lou Williams had 13 points and Nick Young had 8 points. Sweet Lou is making quite the impression at Staples and that's expected of the reigning Sixth Man of the Year. He provided quite a spark when the Lakers couldn't get it going with their starting five. What about Nick Young? He's doing his Swaggy P thing, shooting beyond half court at the end of the first quarter, but nonetheless having an efficient shooting night.

Kobe Bryant, 15 points, 6-13 shooting. Kobe Bryant went off to a slow start this game as he started like 2-7, but at the 2nd quarter, he was starting to be the Kobe of old. He drew up double teams, taking any T'Wolves player to school, and making his shots. He's showing no rusts so far.

Jordan Clarkson, 9 points, 3-6 shooting. For a 2nd rounder, earning All Rookie First Team mentions can be tough to follow up, but I thought Clarkson did well out there. He's improved his decision making as he's making his moves without any hesitation and was just looking to attack. Clarkson is looking to prove out there that his rookie year is no fluke.

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D'Angelo Russell, 2 points, 1-2 shooting. Russell hit his first bucket in his NBA career in the last quarter, but other than that, he's been a no show. It's understandable that it's his first game and he has some jitters, but 2nd half, it's time to play like the #2 overall pick of this year's draft class.

Julius Randle, 2 points, 1-6 shooting. We all know Julius Randle is strong and quick, but when he's driving the ball inside and posting up, he's rushing most of his shots. He got a good dunk off a pass by Hibbert, but with the ball in his hands, Randle is forcing most of the shots he was taking. Hopefully he cleans that up in the 2nd half.

Bottom Line

It's a good start for the Lakers in the first half. You can already tell that this team is light years ahead than the Laker that was constructed last season. In the 2nd half, they just have to tighten up the defense a little and continually push the ball up court with the young pieces they have out there. Let's see what happens.