The Los Angeles Lakers came up short against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day with Tom Thibodeau's squad getting the win at the Staples Center. Although the Lakers made it competitive throughout the contest, the Timberwolves were simply the more talented team with Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way.

Following the Christmas Day matchup in Los Angeles, Thibodeau was asked about what the Lakers have done to improve over the years, via Dan Duangdao of ClutchPoints.

https://twitter.com/DanDuangdao/status/945552780365664258

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Over the last few years, the Lakers have been able to bring in promising young players like Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Kyle Kuzma. All of these players have played significant roles on the team this season and may have bright futures in the league whether it be in Los Angeles or elsewhere.

Although the Lakers are trending in the right direction with these players and second-year head coach Luke Walton, the team is still trying to develop an identity while preparing for some major changes in July. The Los Angeles franchise, as per usual, has been mentioned in rumors frequently over the last few months with the team said to be targeting big-name free agents this summer.

These rumors have caused some frustration among current players with no one knowing exactly what the future holds, but knowing full well that changes are coming.

In the meantime, the young squad led by Kuzma, Ball, and Ingram will remain focused on what they can control as they attempt to end the playoff drought for the Lakers.