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Los Angeles Lakers: 4 biggest goals for 2018-19 season

By Ed Schrenzel

EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: The Los Angeles Lakers huddle up during practice at UCLA Health Training Center on September 25, 2018 in El Segundo, 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: The Los Angeles Lakers huddle up during practice at UCLA Health Training Center on September 25, 2018 in El Segundo, 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Scott Varley/Digital First Media/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images /

The Los Angeles Lakers enter training camp with renewed expectations. What are the team’s 3 biggest goals this season?

Los Angeles Lakers fans are buzzing with excitement now that LeBron James is part of the team. But even he knows that it will take time for the team to become a legitimate title contender.

It’s always fun to shoot for the stars, but a team can’t fly into orbit without taking the right earthbound steps first. Here are the four biggest, most realistic goals for the 2018-19 season:

4. Develop the young core

As good as James is, he cannot do things by himself, especially as he ages and faces stiffer competition night after night in the rugged West. So it is necessary for all four members of the talented young core to take big steps forward this year.

Specifically:

• Brandon Ingram– He showed tremendous improvement in his second year, and needs to continue to develop his all-around game enough to receive All-Star consideration this season. It isn’t so much about numbers, although he should be able to at least approach 20 points a game. It’s about showing everybody that he can excel in every facet of the game.

• Lonzo Ball– He was widely criticized for his poor shooting in his rookie season, although his passing, court vision and defense were all outstanding. He needs to prove that he can indeed be a reliable shooter from the 3-point line and on drives to the hoop. He also worked this summer on becoming physically stronger.

• Kyle Kuzma– He had an outstanding rookie season and was challenged by Magic Johnson to not accept merely being a good player, but to aim for greatness. Because he was an older rookie, he needs to prove that those who think that he has already peaked are dead-wrong. He could potentially give the Lakers a third 20-point per game scorer while displaying improved defense.

• Jason Hart– After a relatively slow start, he came on strong during his rookie year and impressed everyone during the Summer League. He has stated his desire to show that he’s more than just a “3-and-D” player, and he should get the minutes to prove it this season.

• Three other players (3rd-year man Ivica Zubac and rookies Mo Wagner and Svi Mykhailiuk) will need to show that they can also be part of a strong young core moving forward.

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