3. Player Growth
Many fans have been disappointed at what they interpret as a lack of growth among the young players. But three of them are visibly trending upwardly:
• Kuzma– His game is most complementary to LeBron’s, and he has clearly made the biggest strides forward all season. He is the team’s second leading scorer (19.1 PPG) and has improved in most categories, including defense.
However, in a season when their 3-point shooting is one of the Lakers biggest weaknesses, his percentage from deep has dropped from 36.6% last year to only 31.9% this one. Fortunately, Kuz is on an upward lean, connecting on 52% (13-25) his last 3 games. A continuation of that trend can only help the team.
• Ingram– He has frequently been taken to task because his stats are only marginally better than they were last year, and he is often the subject of trade talk among fans. But he is still only 21-years-old and because of injury and suspension has played fewer than 30 games with LeBron. He is best with the ball in his hands, but that happens less frequently when teamed with James.
Yet he too is playing better lately. He has scored 19 or more points in 8 of his last 11 games and has connected on 56% of his shots over the last 9 games. He has even made 29 of his last 36 free throws (80.1%). And his defense has been first-rate, as attested to by All-Star, Kyrie Irving. If Ingram can consistently play at that level, he gives the Lakers added hope.
• Ball– Few players spark a wider range of opinion than Lonzo does. Overall, because his stats are quite similar to what they were his rookie year, critics cite his supposed lack of improvement. But although he went through a relatively long adjustment period playing with James and Rondo, he has still displayed superior court vision, passing and defense.
Just before his injury he was playing at probably his highest level as a Laker. He scored at least 13 points 8 times in his last 13 games and recorded at least 8 assists in 4 of his last 6 games. Lonzo was also much more consistently involved, play-by-play, while demonstrating leadership capabilities on the court. And at this point of their respective careers, he is a better defender than Rondo is.
Just how well Ball will play when he returns to the lineup and is teamed with LeBron and/or Rondo remains to be seen. But it’s hoped that he’ll give the team a needed boost.