EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Nick Young took a long look around the Los Angeles Lakers bustling practice gym Monday, surveying the large gathering of cameras, reporters and teammates with a sardonic smile.Its kind of boring in here, the veteran guard said.For all the hubbub and optimism around the Lakers as they returned for a new season, the LA native realized something was missing.For the first time since 1995, the Lakers are heading into training camp without Kobe Bryant.The third-leading scorer in NBA history is ensconced in retirement in Orange County, his 60-point farewell game fading into legend with each passing week. Bryant left behind a franchise that must return from a team-worst 17-65 season with a new coach, several new players and a young core seeking an identity.It was all about Kobe, point guard DAngelo Russell said of his rookie season. Now its a different headline. Its about the young guys, the coaching staff. Theres so many more headlines.The Lakers have missed the playoffs in three straight seasons for the first time in franchise history, and coach Luke Walton isnt primarily concerned about ending that skid as he installs his system and attempts to mold a cohesive team for the first time in his own career.The former Golden State assistant and Lakers forward doesnt share Bryants binary belief that every season is either a championship campaign or an utter failure.Patience will definitely be important, said the 36-year-old Walton, who is four months younger than Lakers forward Metta World Peace. As we set our foundation, its important that we dont let whether or not were winning games take us from that path. We need to stay the course and see the big picture.Bryants final season was a traveling carnival devoted to showcasing the largely beloved star, with teammates reflexively deferring to him as the losses mounted. Nobody will defer to anybody else in the game plan envisioned by Walton, whose flowing offensive plan is welcomed by the Lakers top draft picks over the previous three years: Julius Randle, Russell and Brandon Ingram.Last year, we played a little bit too much for ourselves, thinking about our stats or whatever it may be, Randle said. That just doesnt work. Were playing for each other now. The energy, the vibe is different. You win 17 games, and everything is a press, a struggle. Its not fun. But its starting to become fun again.Some changes are bigger than others: After years of quiet in the Lakers practice gym, this team practices with musical accompaniment. Walton liked it when he played, and the Warriors do it.The Lakers have been working out together constantly for more than two weeks, but they still have plenty of team-building work to do this week at training camp in Santa Barbara.Los Angeles paid exorbitantly to sign free agents Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov, and they added a grab-bag of veteran talent including Spanish point guard Jose Calderon, Chinese big man Yi Jianlian and forward Thomas Robinson. The Lakers also have 10 returning players from last seasons 17-win team, although Young is widely expected to be jettisoned at some point in the preseason.No newcomer is more important than Ingram, the rangy teenage forward and No. 2 pick from Duke. Russell is determined to take control of the Lakers offense after averaging 13.2 points and 3.3 assists as a rookie, while Randle said his recent workouts with Bryant have given his career the proper direction.I think its going to be fun, said guard Jordan Clarkson, who got a four-year, $50 million contract extension in July. Weve got a young, talented group of guys coming together. These are exciting times for us. Weve got a lot of work to do, but weve got a lot of room to grow.---Follow Greg Beacham at www.twitter.com/gregbeacham Cheap Boston Bruins Jerseys China . DAmigo scored twice in regulation and added the shootout winner as the Toronto Marlies edged the San Antonio Rampage 5-4 in American Hockey League action. Wholesale Hockey Jerseys . Hamelin, who triumphed in the 500 on Saturday, edged out Victor An of Russia by 0.021 seconds to maintain his lead in the World Cup standings. Russias Vladimir Grigorev was third. In the relay, Canada took control six laps from the finish line to beat Russia and the Netherlands. http://www.cheaphockeychina.com/cheap-buffalo-sabres-jerseys-china_157g.html . Defencemen Drew Doughty, Shea Weber and forward Ryan Getzlaf also scored for the Canadians, who started their gold-medal defence 2-0. Goalie Roberto Luongo, getting the call in place of Game 1 starter Carey Price, was solid when needed in making 23 saves for the shutout. Clearance Hockey Jerseys Store . -- The boos poured down on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots at the end of a horrible first half. NHL Jerseys Outlet .com) - The Chicago Blackhawks aim for their third three-game winning streak of the season when they host the struggling Edmonton Oilers in Sundays battle at the United Center.Chelsea are hoping to have Diego Costa available for their clash at Middlesbrough on Super Sunday after he was forced to pull out of the Spain squad during the international break. The striker was sent home early by Spain coach Julen Lopetegui after aggravating a groin injury he picked up during Chelseas 5-0 thrashing of Everton before the international break. Mboro vs Chelsea November 20, 2016, 3:30pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass It caused him to miss Spains friendly with England, and its a potential headache for manager Antonio Conte, who has steered the Blues from eighth place to second in the Premier League table with a run of five consecutive victories. Costa has been a key figure throughout the season, starting every one of Chelseas 11 Premier League games and topping the scoring charts with nine goals. Diego Costa celebrates with Gary Cahill after scoring against Everton Whats more, the stats show Chelsea have a far better Premier League record with Costa in the team than without him.In the 65 games he has started since joining Chelsea in 2014, the Blues have a win rate of 56.9 per cent compared to 40.9 per cent in 22 games when he has not featured. Chelsea with and without Diego Costa (Premier League games since 2014/15) With Costa Stat Without Costa 65 Games 22 37 Wins 9 13 Draws 11 15 Losses 2 129 Goals scored 29 2.dddddddddddd0 Average goals scored 1.3 77 Goals conceded 17 1.2 Average goals against 0.8 56.9% Win percentage 40.9% They also score more freely with Costa in the team, averaging two goals per game compared to just 1.3 per game without him.Costas absence would open the door to summer signing Michy Batshuayi. The Belgium international has been limited to eight substitute appearances in the Premier League, scoring his only goal in a 2-1 win over Watford back in August. Whats changed for Hazard? Whats behind Eden Hazards prolific form? The stats make interesting reading. Batshuayi would be eager to add to his tally against Middlesbrough, but the former Marseille striker is still finding his feet in the Premier League and the stats show why Costa is the main man.Chelsea will be hoping he is fit and firing on Super Sunday. History suggests his return would increase their chances of notching up a sixth consecutive Premier League win. Watch the preview of Sundays Premier League clash as Chelsea head to the Riverside Stadium to take on Middlesbrough Watch Middlesbrough v Chelsea live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 3.30pm on Sunday. Also See: Whats changed for Hazard? Chelsea will only get stronger ' ' '