Lakers gave us plenty to get excited about this preseason

Finally, real basketball is around the corner. The Lakers played five preseason games.They had more practices than they’ll have all season. So, what have we learned about the team over the last few weeks?With nine new players, the Lakers will have some kinks to work out.

But there’s a lot to be excited about as Luka Doncic attempts to win the Purple-and-Gold their 18th title. Right now, patience is key. Don’t forget that it took the Lakers until last spring to figure out how to be successful with their Big 3 of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James. Well, that process has begun all over again. James is out.And Walker Kessler is in.

So, the calendar has been reset.The Lakers are hoping they can figure things out much quicker this time around.Everyone has distinct roles.

Kessler should perfectly complement Doncic and Reaves with his elite rebounding and rim protection. That said, don’t expect them to figure things out overnight. Kessler looked impressive in his preseason debut after playing in only five games last season because of season-ending shoulder surgery.He finished with 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, nine rebounds, one blocked shot and one steal in the Lakers’ 101-89 exhibition loss to the Warriors on Tuesday. But Kessler was clearly shaking off rust against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets in the Lakers’ 121-106 exhibition loss on Friday.

He was outscored by the three-time MVP 17-6, and Jokic finished with twice as many assists (eight) as Kessler (four).That said, it’s obvious that Kessler is going to be a difference-maker for the Lakers when he finds his rhythm following what amounted to be a 347-day stretch between NBA games.He’s well-liked.

He’s a defensive powerhouse.And he’s incredibly driven after the Lakers emptied their cupboard to acquire him, giving up two first-round picks and two first-round picks swaps in a sign-and-trade with the Jazz on top of a four-year, $130 million deal. “The support system aroun...