The Los Angeles Lakers are far from being a championship-level team but they can start getting better now that All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook re-signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

Before the extension pact with the Thunder, Westbrook was believed to leave the franchise following Kevin Durant's surprising free agency decision. The Lakers became frontrunners for him in rumors and the connection between the two was surrounded by hype. This led to some thinking that there is a strong possibility the explosive playmaker might be heading to the purple and gold franchise. 

All of those speculations were shattered last week when Westbrook inked a contract to stay in Oklahoma City. However, in a report by Fansided's Hoops Habit, this is not a reason for the Lakers and their fans to sob, instead it must be considered a blessing. 

In the report, it was explained that even if Westbrook becomes part of the Lakers, they won't be quickly returning to their former glory and winning championships. The best result that can be expected if the 27-year-old joined them is a playoff appearance.

Along with this, it was opined that the free agency woes are going to continue for Los Angeles in the years to come. 

It was suggested that what the Lakers must do is to "build around" young talents D'Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram. 

Setting aside the controversy involving Nick Young and Iggy Azalea, Russell played well last season in his rookie year. He provided good numbers while juggling the starting job and the reserve role. The 20-year-old also had great moments, one of them displayed his scoring prowess and clutch shooting. 

The rookie Ingram, on the other hand, is being compared to some of the greatest players including 2014 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kevin Durant. Being the second overall pick in this year's draft coming out of Duke, there are big expectations from the 18-year-old in his first year in the league.