Los Angeles Lakers: Five bold predictions for 2017-18 season

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: Lonzo Ball #2, Josh Hart #5 and Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Brian Babineau/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: Lonzo Ball #2, Josh Hart #5 and Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Brian Babineau/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 25: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 25, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Lakers won 111-102. 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 Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

Brandon Ingram makes All-Star team

Going from averaging 9.4 points to making the All-Star team the next season sounds absurd. Not to mention, the Western Conference got even stronger this offseason. The conference welcomes players such as Jimmy Butler and Paul George.

Yet, Ingram has the ability to become great this season due to improving upon his weaknesses this offseason, and an improved roster that will take pressure off him.

Ingram has worked on his strength, shooting, and offensive skill set over the summer with coaches and players. With Ingram playing alongside Lonzo Ball, it looks all the more likely that he’ll get opportunities to score easy baskets.

In a very small sample size during the summer league, it looked that Ingram improved his shooting and looked more comfortable. Last season, Ingram shot 40 percent overall and just 29 percent from downtown. Both of those numbers will increase significantly this season.

This year’s All-Star game will be played at the Staples Center, and Ingram being a part of the team would make for a good story. Don’t be shocked to see Ingram suiting up as a reserve for this year’s Western Conference team.