How Good Will the ‘Baby Lakers’ Become?
Is management pleased with the growth and improvement of each of their young players? Which, if any, do they feel is on track to become a future all-star?
Brandon Ingram is still in work in development, but his on-court performance, especially his shooting, has advanced as his rookie season has progressed. He will likely never be another Kevin Durant, as fans once hoped, simply because Durant is a one-of-a-kind shooter. But perhaps he can eventually morph into a rough equivalent of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the so-called ‘Greek Freak’, who is an All-Star starter this year at age 22. Both players are multi-dimensionally talented. They each handle the ball exceptionally well for their size, have superior court vision and have incredibly long arms that they use effectively. Ingram is only 19, and virtually all scouts rave about his enormous potential. Do the Lakers feel he will ultimately be their star player?
More from Lake Show Life
- 3 most underrated players currently on the Los Angeles Lakers roster
- 2 Lakers who would benefit the most from a Kyrie Irving trade
- Victor Oladipo’s Russell Westbrook comments are terrible sign for Lakers
- 4 Free agent fits for the Lakers while they wait on Kyrie Irving
- 3 Most likely positions the Lakers will use for the last roster spot
Both players are multi-dimensionally talented. They each handle the ball exceptionally well for their size, have superior court vision and have incredibly long arms that they use effectively. Ingram is only 19, and virtually all scouts rave about his enormous potential. Do the Lakers feel he will ultimately be their star player?
D’Angelo Russell, who missed the Dallas game due to injury, has received his share of criticism this season, mostly for his inconsistency. Some games he shines, providing a captivating combination of shooting marksmanship and expert passing. But too often he shoots poorly and commits sloppy turnovers.
Is this merely the growing pains that a 19-year-old point guard must endure in his second NBA season, or is it an indication of a less-than-stellar future? Many fans have grown frustrated with Russell and urge Lakers management to trade him now. Yet the team still remains intrigued by his potential and continues, at least publicly, to hold him in high regard. They do not seem ready to give up on him or trade him anytime soon.
Julius Randle is considered by some to be the best Laker on the court this season. When motivated, he is a double-double machine with a warrior mentality. His shooting, passing and rim protection defense have all improved. But there are games where he seems lackadaisical and he becomes too much of a spectator. Can he become more consistently involved? At age 22, in only his second year in the NBA, just how high does management feel his eventual peak will be?