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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 goals to achieve in 2017-18

By Dominic Torres

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 20: Lonzo Ball #2 (C) of the Los Angeles Lakers is oncgratulated by teammates during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 20, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 132-130. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 20: Lonzo Ball #2 (C) of the Los Angeles Lakers is oncgratulated by teammates during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 20, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 132-130. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 10: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the preseason game against the Utah Jazz on October 10, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/Getty Images) /

3. Figure Out the Messy Power Forward Situation

The Los Angeles Lakers have one of the most confusing depth charts at power forward. At the heart of it is Julius Randle, the former Kentucky Wildcat 2013 and seventh overall pick. Off the pine is Larry Nance, Jr; a near copy of his father, Cleveland Cavalier sensation Larry Nance, Sr. The Lakers did not expect one of their late first rounders to have such immediate scoring talent. Kyle Kuzma has turned into a clear offensive threat as a rookie.

JULIUS RANDLE (KENTUCKY)

Draymond Green has commented on Randle’s capabilities and potential. It is clear that Randle has a great offensive game as a point forward, but he still has clear holes in his game. Kentucky rarely spews out big men duds on the NBA level. Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Davis, and DeMarcus Cousins are prime examples of near-nuclear breakouts.

However, Randle still lacks any offensive talent that the three elite centers possess. He still remains predictable with his left-handed theatrics. Unfortunately, Randle is exploitable on the defensive end as well. Last season, he boasted an unfathomable 113.3 defensive rating, among the worst for starting power forwards.

Randle is also on the end of his rookie deal. Consequently, the Lakers’ new brand of culture may decide to pass up on him if they lay any deal for a superstar.

Los Angeles Lakers
PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 2: Larry Nance Jr. #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 2, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Cameron Browne/Getty Images) /

LARRY NANCE, JR. (WYOMING)

Larry Nance, Jr. is quite the remarkable athletic big man. He plays just as his father did in Cleveland 23 years ago. He is extremely versatile, and he compliments Brook Lopez’s game almost perfectly. Luke Walton even decided to start Nance because he fits with Lopez well. Unfortunately, Nance will be out due to an extended amount of time due to a fractured a bone in his left hand. This further complicates matters in Los Angeles.

Nance dominates as a ball-hawk. He has vastly improved his defense in his three years as a Laker.  Nance has averaged over three SPG per 100 possessions this year before he broke his hand against Portland. He has even commented on making a case for the First Team All-Defense.

Does Magic give up on this could-be future defensive All-Star? How does Walton fix him back into the lineup if Randle exceeds his expectations?

Los Angeles Lakers
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 25: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to the media after the game against the Washington Wizards on October 25, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images) /

KYLE KUZMA (UTAH)

It has been surprising to see young Lonzo Ball not take the spotlight during the preseason. Instead, the Utah product of Kyle Kuzma has batted eyes of both Laker Nation and the NBA world alike. Many people were expecting Josh Hart from Villanova to take a huge role in the Lakers lineup. That was not the case, however.

Magic has commented that Kuzma has been the steal of the draft. He is well on his way to stealing the spotlight from the Big Baller. He could even be better than Brandon Ingram could ever be as far as scoring goes. Kuzma is able to stretch out his game to the three-point line and is able to bring down rebounds as well, something that Randle is capable of doing.

Pelinka needs to figure out who works best with the Lakers organization. There is a huge problem looming with the offseason coming on, as Julius Randle will look to find his market value ($20M+). Whoever the Lakers choose will consequently have a huge impact for the rest of the season as well as the next decade.

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