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Los Angeles Lakers: Four reasons they can make NBA playoffs

By Asha Doucet

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 07: Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Earvin "Magic" Johnson (L) and head coach Luke Walton of the Lakers talk during a 2017 Summer League game between the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Clippers won 96-93 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 07: Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Earvin "Magic" Johnson (L) and head coach Luke Walton of the Lakers talk during a 2017 Summer League game between the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Clippers won 96-93 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 2: Brandon Ingram #14 and Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers are seen during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 2, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Developing Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle

Both lottery picks for Los Angeles are their best weapons due to their youth and potential to grow into stars. Because both players have yet to make that all-star leap they are relatively under the radar. However, Ingram and Randle have been putting in amazing offseason work and may be headed for breakout years.

What most playoff teams have is at least two stars on their roster. While the Lakers have players with star potential, they don’t have a bona fide All-Star. What they do have is two players with high ceilings and all-star potential. The potential in itself won’t lead to a playoff berth for Los Angeles, but if all indications about Ingram and Randle are realized, the Lakers will have two players with a breakout season.

Randle has gone through an offseason transformation that’s put him in great shape and ensures he will be ready to get out and run with Lonzo. And if his improved conditioning isn’t enough, he’s been watching film of Draymond Green according to Luke Walton on Zach Lowe’s podcast.

"“We’ve sat down and watched a lot of Draymond film together…They’ve talked on the phone and we sit down and watch film as far as what his reads are when he’s coming off and he’s into it. He wants to get better, he wants to learn and I’m hoping it’s a big year for him.”"

The coaching staff is also hoping for a big year from Ingram. He too has put in the reps this offseason and been working hard on his offensive game. Ingram’s improvement showed in the one Summer League game he played in before Magic shut him down. He was in complete control of the game and undeniably the best player on the floor from both teams.

Next: 50 Greatest Players In Lakers Franchise History

Hopefully, Ingram’s growth and noticeable stronger body will translate well in the regular season. His size, length, and athleticism give him the highest upside of any Laker on offense and defense. If both he and Randle have breakout years along with Los Angeles’ other additions, finishing with the eighth and final playoff spot may not be so far fetched.

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