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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 takeaways from the post All-Star break performance thus far

By Cris Rivera

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 28: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers ices a sore knee during the second half of a basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on March 28, 2018 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 Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 28: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers ices a sore knee during the second half of a basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on March 28, 2018 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 Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) /
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Check out some of our takeaways from the Los Angeles Lakers since the All-Star break thus far.

In what started out as an excellent post All-Star break record, having won 8 in their first 10 games after the break, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves shorthanded as the season winds down. 

Julius Randle a big asset for the Lakers and their future?

Julius Randle has put up impressive numbers since the All-Star break. With averages of 21.6 points, 10.3 rebounds and a field goal percentage of .576, Julius is leading the Lakers every one of those categories.

One explanation for his increase in play across the board is more opportunity. Because of the injuries he has had an increase of minutes.

Before the All-Star break, he averaged 24.5 minutes and after it has risen to 34.1 minutes. Randle becomes a free agent this season and given his continued progression and improvement since his rookie year, the Lakers front office will have to seriously consider giving him a max contract.

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Injuries did not help playoff chances

Brandon Ingram, who had been out with a hip flexor strain, played only one game in March and his presence on the court had sorely been missed by the Lakers. Ingram missed 12 games and got back on the court against the Dallas Mavericks on March 28th. In 23 minutes put up 13 points, six rebounds and four assists to go along with a win.

Additionally, Fortnite connoisseur and Lakers guard, Josh Hart has missed a month of basketball. Hart needed surgery when he fractured his left hand and had consistently provided the Lakers with some shooting and perimeter defense. Losing both of these players late in the season hurt any hopes the Lakers had for the playoffs.

Will Lakers sign Isaiah Thomas?

Isaiah Thomas mostly came off the bench in the 17 games he played for the Lakers. As a Los Angeles Laker, Thomas averaged 15.6 points and five assists in 26 minutes.  He provided an offensive threat off the bench as the Lakers sent Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. to the Cavaliers in a trade.

Thomas is done for the season as he will be getting hip surgery heading into free agency this summer. Ideally, Thomas would love a max contract but it’s doubtful any team will give him anything close to the max. Depending on how free agency goes, a contract with Isaiah Thomas could help the Lakers have a competitive bench— but only if the price is right.

Next: 50 Greatest Players In Lakers Franchise History

The Lakers front office is not looking to make similar deals that were made with the contracts of Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng with Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss at the helm.

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