Los Angeles Lakers: 3 reasons Brandon Ingram should be considered ‘untouchable’

3. He’s a building block for the Laker’s future post-LeBron.

This may be the most important reason for the Lakers to hold on to Ingram — the Lakers needs to think about their future in a post-LeBron world.

Yes, I know that we’re only in the first year of LeBron’s 4-year deal, but LeBron is already 34, and as we all know, father-time is undefeated, even for The King. When LeBron eventually decides to hang it up, there needs to be a foundation for the team to build on.

We’ve seen teams in the past that have to deal with a post-LeBron future, with the Cleveland Cavaliers being the most recent example. They’re a team that is nearly devoid of any draft assets, and the contracts signed during LeBron’s tenure have hurt their cap-space for the time being.

So far, the Lakers have been cautious in mortgaging their future to build a team around LeBron, but that could change as the team gets more and more desperate to surround him with talent.

Most recently, the Lakers parted with young assets in Svi Mykhailiuk and Ivica Zubac for ‘win-now’ players in Reggie Bullock and Mike Muscala. With a potential Anthony Davis trade looming in the offseason, the Lakers need to seriously consider keeping a player of Ingram’s talent and potential.