The expectations may not be very high for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016-17, but there are plenty of players on the roster who have a lot to prove this season.
After two of the worst years in franchise history, things have got to get better for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016-17, right?
No one knows for sure, but the talent is there for the Lakers to undergo considerable improvement. They’ve benefited from three Top-10 picks in the same amount of years, and have quietly put together a high-upside starting lineup that boasts some of the NBA’s top prospects.
And yet, with so much potential and a rising star at head coach, there are several Lakers who have a lot to prove in the upcoming campaign.
Whether they’re headed into make-or-break seasons or simply can’t afford to continue underwhelming, it’s going to be a critical year for the five players I’ve highlighted on this list.
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Especially with the team still in rebuilding mode, it’s going to be imperative for these players to carry their weight and continue to unlock their potential. For one player, he just needs to convince fans that he’s worth the boatload of money he was handed this offseason.
So here it is–my look at five Lakers with the most to prove when the 2016-17 regular season rolls around.
Next: A Rookie With Sky-High Expectations
SF Brandon Ingram
Whenever you’re the No. 2 overall pick, a certain pressure to excel follows you around wherever you go. That’s exactly the situation Brandon Ingram finds himself in heading into his first season with the Lakers.
While most folks aren’t expecting him to turn into a superstar overnight, he’s going to have to prove he’s got the skills to warrant such a high draft selection.
That means helping this Lakers offense put big points on the board, while playing enough defense to keep opponents from destroying them the way they often did in 2015-16.
Ingram has essentially been billed as the savior of one of the NBA’s most storied franchises. He’s already been gifted the burden of ushering Los Angeles into the post-Kobe Bryant era, which may or may not work in the youngster’s favor.
Regardless, that’s the situation and he’s going to have to live with it.
So can he light up the scoreboard early? Will he turn in endless highlight-reel plays as a rookie? No one knows for sure.
The only thing I know right now is that he’s got a lot to prove, especially for a rookie.
Next: A Solid Contributor In The Paint
C Tarik Black
This offseason, the Lakers signed Tarik Black to a noteworthy deal, handing him a two-year, $12.85 million contract. He’s been working hard as a quality backup center in Los Angeles for the last two years, but now appears to be facing a do-or-die situation heading into 2016-17.
The deal he signed in June included a team option in Year 2, which essentially means Black has one year to prove he belongs.
Although earning starts may be difficult, Black will be expected to serve as the primary backup center behind Timofey Mozgov in 2016-17.
He’ll get a push from rookie Ivica Zubac, but his experience and connection with head coach Luke Walton should give him an initial leg up for minutes.
Speaking of Walton, he’s clearly on Black’s side. The two spent time together during their days at the University of Memphis, and the coach promised him a “fair shot at minutes” this season (via Los Angeles Daily News’ Mark Medina).
He’s proven he’s capable of contributing, but can he elevate his game even more this upcoming season?
We’ll see what happens, but this is make-or-break for Black. Can he force the Lakers to pick up his second year, or will he give them reason to move on next offseason?
Next: An Overpaid, Average Starting Center
C Timofey Mozgov
When someone signs a four-year, $64 million contract, it’s typically safe to assume they’re a star. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for Mozgov, who may actually be nothing more than a solid backup and sub-par starter. The Lakers are hoping that’s not the case.
Los Angeles paid him this offseason to be their starting center, and a good one at that. Based on what we’ve seen from the Russian native, though, it’s not likely that he answers the call for the purple and gold. Heck, he may not even be the starter by season’s end–as I predicted last week.
As we saw last season, Mozgov became an afterthought.
Although he started the majority of the Cavaliers’ regular season contests, Mozgov put up uninspiring numbers–6.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game.
It was his worst showing since becoming a full-time starter in 2013, which likely led to his irrelevance during Cleveland’s Finals run.
Mozgov may be a more reliable option than Roy Hibbert was last year, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to be a star. Fans have already skewered the Lakers for this signing, so Mozgov has a lot to prove when he hits the court this season.
If he doesn’t, you can bet the Lakers faithful will be up in arms next offseason.
Next: A Young Big Man With Serious Upside
PF Julius Randle
I had very high hopes for Julius Randle when the Lakers made him the No. 7 overall pick in 2014. However, through two seasons, he’s still got a ways to go before his drafting can be considered an undeniable success.
Obviously he was hindered by a broken leg as a rookie. However, as a sophomore, Randle showed some progress and a lot of inconsistency as an offensive asset.
While his rebounding was a definite plus for the Kentucky product, he has more growing to do before we can confirm that he’s avoided the “bust” label.
Realistically, the Lakers simply need more production and efficiency from Randle moving forward.
Last season, he averaged 11.3 points, 10.2 rebounds and 0.4 blocks per game. It was a strong showing from Randle, especially after missing nearly all of his rookie season due to injury. It was a sizable step in the right direction, but the Lakers need to see more from him on the offensive end.
Randle is still young, but has flashed the potential that made him a first-round pick. If he can increase his scoring efficiency and improve in some defensive categories (i.e. steals and blocks), he’ll be well on his way to proving his long-term outlook is very bright in Los Angeles.
Next: The Future Face Of The Franchise?
PG D’Angelo Russell
On paper, D’Angelo Russell has all the potential in the world to develop into a star for the Lakers. He’s an excellent shooter, facilitator, athlete and defender, and is more than capable of being the face of the franchise. With Kobe Bryant out of the picture, can he take that next step in 2016-17?
He definitely flashed that excitement as a rookie, putting together a few explosive performances. Unfortunately, he was rather inconsistent and battled with some off-the-court issues that put his integrity in question.
However, with Nick Young likely leaving, it’s time for Russell to prove he can be the go-to guy in Los Angeles.
I mean, he has the supporting cast to get the job done. Jordan Clarkson and him should form a dynamic duo in the backcourt, and the addition of Ingram gives him an exciting weapon on the wing.
If Randle can take the next step in his maturation, this Lakers’ starting lineup won’t look half bad in 2016-17.
Realistically, it all comes down to Russell, though. Can the sophomore star in the making tap into his limitless potential, or will he suffer from the inconsistencies that plagued him a year ago?
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This is the time for Russell to prove he can be the man. If that doesn’t happen, don’t be surprised to see Clarkson or Ingram take the wheel.