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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 strengths heading into 2017-18 season

By Anthony Santillo

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 9: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers puts his head on the shoulder of head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers as he waits to check back into the game with rest of his teammates D'Angelo Russell #1 Julius Randle #30 and Larry Nance Jr. #7 during the second half of the basketball game against Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center April 9, 2017, 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. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 9: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers puts his head on the shoulder of head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers as he waits to check back into the game with rest of his teammates D'Angelo Russell #1 Julius Randle #30 and Larry Nance Jr. #7 during the second half of the basketball game against Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center April 9, 2017, 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. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 16: Brandon Ingram (L) #14 and Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers react on the bench as the final seconds tick off the clock in their 108-98 win over the Dallas Mavericks in a semifinal game of the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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) /

Offensive Versatility

This might be my favorite strength of this Lakers roster. The ability for so many different players to play so many different positions and different roles.

Luke Walton is going to have a field day making all the different lineups to throw at teams. They can run with the best of them, they can play small ball, they can go big if necessary, they can defend (well at least better than they did last year), and most importantly anyone on any different night can lead the team in scoring and that is dangerous.

The offseason moves have made this Lakers team more difficult to scout and predict because you never really know who is going to do what. Obviously, to start the season, Ingram is the likely candidate to lead the team in scoring, but it can really go anywhere.

On any given night, Caldwell-Pope could get hot and drop 30. Lopez is former All-Star that has proven himself in the post and with his mid-range ability. Julius Randle is starting to look more like Blake Griffin than Zach Randolph so he’ll be exciting to watch. Jordan Clarkson is a proven bench scorer that has improved every offseason. Look at this steal and dunk by him last season and tell me who it reminds you of in transition. I’ll give you a hint, he averaged a triple-double last season.

Lonzo Ball, although just a rookie, has potential to do it all for this team and if he improves his scoring will be just as dangerous as anyone.

This Lakers team also has the ability to play position-less basketball, which is a huge facet to have with the direction the NBA has been going. Lonzo will be doing the majority of the ball handling when he is on the floor but he’s not the only one that can bring the ball up.

Julius Randle has shown many times he loves to grab a rebound and go as he has good enough ball handling skills to get around most players at his position. Ingram spent some time last season bringing the ball up and running the offense so look for more of that to happen. Nance and Kuzma both show similar qualities as Randle with their love for rebounding and running. With this roster, they will be very fun to watch get out and go with all the athleticism and playmaking ability they provide.

Next: 5 Bold Predictions For Lakers 2017-18 Season

With a roster like this, it is difficult to know who to favor on defense and that can leave teams confused at moments, especially if everyone is equally contributing. I’m not saying this team can’t be defended, that would be ridiculous, but they are very dangerous if they play together and use the strengths they have to their advantage. The future is bright for this team. Prepare for the ride.

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