Lakers news: Julius Randle credits Magic Johnson, Rob Pelinka for team's culture change

Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle believes Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka deserve credit for what they've done to change the culture of the team.

The Los Angeles Lakers are a different team in the post-Kobe Bryant era. The once-dominant franchise with 16 championship banners hanging in the rafters at Staples Center has a new practice facility, president of basketball operations, general manager, and a new roster built through the NBA Draft.

On Monday, the Media Day was held at the team's new practice facility in El Segundo for the first time. There was a different feel in the building a few blocks away from the old facility with sparkling duel basketball floors and smiles on the faces of players filled with optimism and motivation.

Fourth-year forward Julius Randle was one of those players on Monday who came in ready to prove himself with a newly chiseled physique and a different mindset. Randle, who has been through more down periods than most with this franchise, believes Pelinka and Johnson are to thank for the culture change.

“It's changed, honestly,” Randle said. “Credit to Magic [Johnson] and Rob [Pelinka]. They've done a great job of implementing what they want for this organization and guys are following along.”

After three straight losing seasons, Randle sees something different in this franchise. A new sense of purpose and determination amongst his teammates and the Lakers brass.

With the team's first-round draft pick in 2018 going to the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles no longer has the cloud of questionable tanking tactics looming over the franchise if things go south during the season. This year is expected to be much different than the last half-decade with the entire team having the one goal of making the playoffs and finally ending the postseason drought.

Magic and Pelinka's revamped Lakers squad will begin their quest to right the ship on Oct. 19 against the division rival L.A. Clippers as the home team at Staples Center. In the meantime, the team will be focused on training camp for the rest of the week leading up to their first preseason game on Sat. Sept. 30 against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.