4. The Young Core Four
The Lakers will surround LeBron with four very talented young players, none of which has reached their ceiling. Part of James’ responsibilities will be helping each develop, preferably as quickly as possible.
Brandon Ingram made a giant leap last season in just about every category over his rookie year, including a scoring increase to 16.1 PPG from 9.4 as a rookie. The 2016 No. 2 pick looks poised to take another big step forward this season. Perhaps he will join James as a 20 PPG scorer and move closer to becoming one of the league’s best all-around players. Ingram might even play well enough to garner All-Star consideration.
Kyle Kuzma had an outstanding rookie year, also averaging 16.1 points, one of the best first years of any player ever drafted outside the top 25. The front office challenged him to work on his body and not accept merely being good, but to aim for being great. Kuz enters his second season noticeably thicker and better able to absorb contact and still finish at the rim. If he has retained his quickness and 3-point stroke, he too could average 20 points this year.
Lonzo Ball was rightfully criticized last year for his dreadful shooting. But the rookie point guard probably wasn’t praised enough for his passing, court vision, rebounding and defense. In the limited action of two preseason games, his shot now looks to be more accurate. Like Kuzma, he also now looks visibly stronger. Fans hope Lonzo is ready to prove that he was worthy of being selected No. 2 in the 2017 draft and that he will be a positive force going forward.
Josh Hart developed slowly but surely throughout last season’s rookie year, and then was the MVP of the Summer League. He is already an outstanding defensive player with an accurate 3-point shot. But beyond being just a 3-and-D specialist, Josh is one of the team’s best finishers at the rim and has also worked on his ball-handling and passing skills. He too looks to break out this year.
Few, if any, teams in the league have four second and third-year players as gifted as this Lakers group. They are multi-talented, unselfish hard workers who should complement LeBron well. Fans may often see the five of them on the floor together to close-out games.