1. Brandon Ingram
Behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers are relying heavily on players who excel on one end of the floor or the other. D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves are their next-best scorers, but both have defensive issues. Others play key defensive roles but have offensive woes. Finding a third star could do wonders for the Lakers and their identity. It would allow them to put two stout defenders on the floor next to their stars and chase a ring.
Ingram has blossomed since joining the Pelicans in the Anthony Davis trade. The 26-year-old is just entering his prime and has helped New Orleans to fifth in the Western Conference. He is averaging 20.9 points, 5.8 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 33.0 minutes per game. Ingram has become a plus-shooter and his efficiency continues to rise as the Pelicans have improved the talent around him. He is currently out with a knee injury, but should be back for the playoffs.
They had to give up Ingram to get Anthony Davis, but his max extension only has one year left after this season. A monster trade offer may have brought him back to Los Angeles. The Lakers would love to have him. They could use a 6’9 forward capable of dropping 20 points and dishing out five dimes every night. It certainly was not a mistake getting AD, but it is fair to wonder what-if it never happened.
The Los Angeles Lakers desperately need to improve their roster if they plan on getting back into title contention next season. Does the front office bring back a former Laker to help them? Stay tuned to find out.