The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the summer heat feeling the pressure of turning their massive ship around. Last season saw them win a franchise-worst 17 games, which currently serves as rock-bottom for a team that has 16 NBA titles hanging in the rafters along with the jerseys of a number of all-time greats.
Still, in spite of the hard times that have befallen the most popular franchise in the league, there is an air of optimism around the Lakers. Star guard Kobe Bryant had the greatest send-off game possibly in the history sports, notching 60 points in his final performance as a professional.