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Los Angeles Lakers: Predicting the starting lineup for the season

By Kenneth Teape

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: The Los Angeles Lakers stand for the National Anthem before a preseason game against the Utah Jazz on October 10, 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)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: The Los Angeles Lakers stand for the National Anthem before a preseason game against the Utah Jazz on October 10, 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) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 13: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket on Wesley Johnson #33 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on October 10, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Starting Small Forward: Brandon Ingram

Brandon Ingram struggled in his rookie season. He did improve in the second half once the Lakers committed to their youth movement, which was encouraging. The Lakers are hoping that carries over to this season as they are committed to Ingram at small forward.

This offseason the Lakers fielded plenty of calls on Ingram. The Indiana Pacers wanted him in a deal for Paul George and the Lakers didn’t budge. Ingram has a high ceiling and a long way to get there, but the talent and worth ethic are there to accomplish it.

Ingram hit the gym hard this summer. He improved his jump shot, revamped his diet and committed himself to having a more well-rounded game offensively. We saw glimpses of it during his Las Vegas Summer League appearance but didn’t see it as much in the preseason.

Ingram will benefit this season from playing exclusively at small forward. Last season he was used at times as the backup point guard, which probably put too much on the rookie’s plate. With his focus solely on small forward, he should be more comfortable on the court.

Ingram is a building block for the Lakers. He will be given every opportunity to succeed this season as Los Angeles hopes he takes the next step in his development and is someone that max free agents will want to play with.

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