3. Core 4
Ingram, Ball, Kuzma and Hart are all oozing with talent. The former two were each picked second in their draft years of 2016 and ’17. The latter two were each late 2017 first round picks and represented two of the biggest steals of that draft.
By their steadfast refusal to trade any of the four, the front office has indicated how strongly they believe in each player. Perhaps the best part is how well they complement each other without duplicating one another’s skills.
Ingram is on track to become one of the league’s best all-around players. He is somewhat reminiscent of Giannis Antetokounmpo, although Ingram’s second NBA season was in most ways superior to the Greek Freak’s. That doesn’t mean that BI will ever be as good, but it looks like he’ll be the same type of do-everything player- score, pass, rebound and defend.
Ingram has future All-Star written all over him and should emerge as the Lakers second-best player this year. The challenge for him is to continue to develop a reliable outside shot and to improve his free throw shooting (a theme for the entire team).
Ball was often condemned for what naysayers felt was a subpar rookie season, even though he was voted onto the All-Rookie second team. Part of that negativity is actually aimed at his loudmouth, obnoxious father who seems to be beyond Lonzo’s or anyone else’s control.
But Ball deserves criticism for his mostly horrendous shooting. That is the obvious area of his game that needs to be improved- from the 3-point line, the foul line and on drives to the hoop.
However, his ability to score will never be his strength and wasn’t why the Lakers drafted him. Rather it is his high basketball IQ which was displayed through his superior court vision and passing ability last season and will likely only improve. Playing with James and discussing situations with him, Rondo and Magic could be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Lonzo has often been fairly compared with Jason Kidd. A key difference is that Ball may be surrounded by more good players than Kidd was for most of his career. The team played better with Lonzo on the court last year, and at 20 years old he should be ready to step his game up a couple of levels this season.
Kuzma demonstrated last year that he is one of those pure scorers who can put the ball in the hoop in a wide repertoire of ways. He scored on 3-point shots, mid-range baskets and even hook shots over taller defenders once he beat his man off the dribble.
This season, he is likely to come off the bench, but still, receive good minutes as one of the NBA’s best 6th men. He has reportedly gotten stronger and hopes to be an even better finisher at the hoop.
The challenge for Kuz is to maintain offensive consistency while improving his defense and rebounding, as well as his free throw shooting. He too should benefit from LBJ’s presence and experience.
Hart started slowly last year as a rookie. He suffered early-season injuries, and it then took time for him to gain the coach’s trust. At first, it was hoped he could be a good 3-and-D player off the bench. And he is indeed a strong man defender with a good 3-point touch, as well as an excellent rebounder for his size.
But by late in the season, and again during the Summer League, Hart showed that he’s capable of fulfilling an even bigger role. He once was regarded as somewhat of an afterthought. Now he has emerged as a key member of the Lakers young core.
This season he will compete with and split time with KCP at the 2-guard position. He will not be the focal of the offense as he was in the summer. But Hart appears comfortable in being part of a team approach. Like the others, consistency is a key to his development.
These four players should be important cogs not only this year but to the Lakers future success. Hopefully, LeBron can show them what it takes to win, and they will each mature and advance their games to the next level. That along with their energy and natural skills should help the team improve this season.