Kobe Bryant has left the city of Los Angeles after 20 fun, artistic, and championship-filled years in the NBA. Of course, not everyone sees Bryant as a hero but it was fun to watch the three-peat with Shaquille O’Neal (and who can forgot the years without O’Neal when Bryant become something of his own). Remember him scoring 81 points?

When management finally made the right moves, like bringing in Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom and Metta World Peace (formally known as Ron Artest), the franchise nabbed two more championships; however, the glory days have been long over (as was the health of Bryant and the amount of talent on the roster). Lakers fans hope that recent draft picks (D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram), along with the signing of a few mid-level free-agents this offseason (Luol Deng and Timofey Mosgov), the ship is finally sailing in the right direction.

As I can personally tell you, having watched almost every Lakers game this season, there is progress being made and the young core is on the rise. Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, and the previously-mentioned Russell have shown splashes of greatness; although, it will remain to be seen if they can find the consistency each of them has lacked in the NBA, thus far.

In this year’s NBA Draft the team selected forward Brandon Ingram with the #2 overall pick, then came back with center Ivica Zubac as the #32 overall pick (in the second round). These figure to be solid picks, as Ingram has all of the makings of Kevin Durant 2.0 written all over him, while Zubac should be able to contribute (at least off of the bench) right away.

Mozgov and Deng are capable, if unspectacular scorers, while Russell and Ingram have also shown a knack for scoring in college. Add is the floor leadership of Clarkson, who was a second-team member of the NBA All-Rookie Team two years ago, and you can see the foundation of this franchise coming together nicely.

It has been tough for Lakers fans over the past four years, but these embarrassing years have almost passed us by. The roster is more talented now than it has been in five-or-six seasons, plus newly-signed head coach Luke Walton and his assistant coaches bring in a wealth of knowledge (and winning).

Times are a changing for the Lakers and their fans.

Being patient is finally starting to pay off.