Los Angeles Lakers forwards Brandon Ingram and LeBron James are predicted to win awards for the 2018-19 regular season.
Big things are expected for the Los Angeles Lakers this upcoming season. With an influx of veterans, led by LeBron James, expectations have risen in Los Angeles.
The Lakers have missed the postseason for five consecutive years, the longest drought in franchise history. They are expecting that drought to end this season given the roster they have put together.
Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka have done a wonderful job since taking over the front office. When starting, they were handed a roster lacking many building blocks and without much cap space. In only two offseasons together, they have put the Lakers back in position to quickly become contenders.
Last offseason, the Lakers added to their young core via the 2017 NBA Draft. Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart were all selected. Los Angeles then cleared enough cap space in the process to not only sign James but keep their options open for another max deal by handing out only one-year deals otherwise.
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There is now a solid mix of youth and experience on the roster. In addition to James, JaVale McGee, Lance Stephenson, Rajon Rondo and Michael Beasley were signed to help teach the youngsters.
With heightened expectations, some of the young players will have to take steps forward this season. The expert panel at ESPN believes at least one of them will do that.
Over at ESPN, expert predictions were made selecting awards for the NBA season. The most popular selection for the Most Improved Player award is Brandon Ingram. Of the 21 people voting, nine selected Ingram. The next closest was two votes for Jamal Murray and Tobias Harris.
Ingram took a big step forward in the 2017-18 season, his second in the league. If he continues on that path, he should be right in the running for the award. With the added playmakers and improved talent on the roster, Ingram should find it even easier to operate this season.
Playing alongside Ball, Rondo and James means the Lakers can have at least one elite playmaker on the court at all times. Ingram should benefit greatly from that, as they will be able to set him up in his sweet spot. Also, with the improved talent, it will be difficult to double-team Ingram.
Ingram wasn’t the only Lakers predicted by the panel to win an award this season. James is also predicted to take home some hardware.
James was picked by nine people to take home the MVP award. The next closest was four selections for Anthony Davis.
James receiving the most votes to win MVP is not surprising. With his move to Los Angeles, he will receive plenty of recognition if he can get the Lakers back into the playoffs. If he comes close to replicating his numbers from last season, which were MVP worthy, he will be a shoe-in for the MVP award.
If the Lakers are to reach their potential this season, Ingram and James will be two of the driving forces behind it. Those two are arguably the most important players on the team heading into the 2018-19 season. Their success will determine how much damage the team can do this upcoming season.