The Los Angeles Lakers’ roster is loaded with exciting prospects, but it’s still unclear what the future holds for their band of youngsters. So why not predict their futures?
While the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t considered contenders in 2016-17, it’s hard to deny they have a boatload of high-upside prospects ready to blossom. Just how much of a long-term impact can they make for the purple and gold, though?
No one can know for sure, but that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate.
That’s what I plan on doing here. With so many uncertainties surrounding this Lakers roster, it seems like the perfect time to take a look at what the future could hold for this handful of exciting youngsters. The sky really is the limit, but will they all reach their ceiling or will a couple fall short?
Fans are especially intrigued to see what recent top pick Brandon Ingram brings to the table. The former Duke one-and-done cost the Lakers the No. 2 pick back in July, so it’ll be interesting to see if he can live up to the hype of such a high selection.
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Either way, this roster offers a lot of intrigue–as well as accompanying uncertainty.
With that in mind, here are my predictions for how the careers of the Lakers’ four rising stars will pan out.
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PF Julius Randle: Above-Average Starter
It’s been a bumpy road for Julius Randle since the Lakers made him the No. 7 overall pick in 2014. He missed all of his rookie season with a broken leg, and is currently rehabbing from a laceration on his hand. Still, the future appears bright for the young forward.
The only problem is fans won’t like just how bright I think it will actually be.
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Realistically, I think Randle could be a staple in the Lakers’ starting lineup for years to come. He’s an excellent rebounder, reliable defender and capable scorer. Unfortunately, I don’t think he brings the star power to Los Angeles that many thought he did–at least not on a consistent basis.
Randle’s game has some holes. He tries his best to create his own shot, but it often feels forced and leads to unnecessary poor attempts at the basket. His ball handling is still a work in progress, and his defensive stats (namely, steals and blocks) need to improve moving forward.
Randle is also always going to be at a disadvantage considering his lack of height for the position.
Some have compared him to Draymond Green, and it’s a reasonable comparison. Unfortunately, I don’t think he’ll ever hit that point in his development. He shined during what was essentially his rookie season, but I think he’ll plateau as an above-average starter and exceptional rebounder.
With so many other rising stars, the Lakers don’t need him to be an All-Star. They just need him to be a reliable presence in the paint.
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SG Jordan Clarkson: Top-15 Starter
Expectations weren’t too high for Jordan Clarkson when the Lakers made him a second-round selection a couple of years ago. However, it didn’t take long for the Missouri product to prove his worth as an exceptional starting guard.
Now, Clarkson moves forward as the unquestioned starter at the two spot with Kobe Bryant enjoying retirement. He’ll team with D’Angelo Russell to create a tremendous backcourt duo, and there appears to be a lot said tandem can accomplish.
At this moment, I believe Clarkson is a severely underrated asset for the Lakers. In only two seasons, he’s earned a significant role in Los Angeles and signed a shiny new contract this offseason.
The Lakers have seen the potential he possesses, and can now watch him unleash it with a new head coach in town and Kobe Bryant out of the picture.
With Clarkson’s scoring, relentless play and scrappy defense, there’s little reason to suggest he won’t develop into a star. Although some would say he didn’t take a step forward in 2015-16, he was limited by Byron Scott‘s offense and the presence of Bryant and Lou Williams.
That will change in 2016-17.
Clarkson takes over as the full-time starter, plays in Luke Walton‘s up-tempo offense and clicks with the Lakers’ other young stars. It’s an equation that should see him emerge as one of the NBA’s top 15 shooting guards in the near future.
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SF Brandon Ingram: Top-10 Starter
At this moment, Brandon Ingram is all potential and hype. The 19-year-old forward has a sky-high ceiling, but there’s a lot that could go wrong in his development.
For one, he’s got a wiry frame and still needs a lot of weight room work before he’s ready to take his game to the next level. Obviously a lanky, 6-foot-10 forward can excel in the NBA, but Ingram must bulk up and fill out his frame if he’s going to unlock his full potential.
Blue Man Hoop
My other concern with Ingram is his reliance on shooting jumpers to create points. During his one season at Duke, he was hesitant to work his way to the rim and was often overpowered by bigger defenders.
Ingram obviously has an excellent outside shot, but will need to develop his ability to create his own shots if he’s going to become the star the Lakers need him to be.
I’m all for the Kevin Durant comparisons, especially considering his impressive athleticism, length and tenacity. Unfortunately, I don’t quite think he’ll live up to his billing as the No. 2 overall pick.
When the late bloomer finally peaks as an NBA player, Ingram should be a top-10 small forward. He may even make an All-Star appearance or All-NBA team at some point, but he won’t have the type of career you’d expect from someone of his draft status.
I hope I’m wrong, but that’s my prediction based on what I’ve seen so far.
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PG D’Angelo Russell: Perennial All-Star
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again–I believe D’Angelo Russell has the potential to be the face of this Lakers franchise.
We all know the way he destroyed his opposition in college, and we saw glimpses of what he can do in the NBA last season. With Russell showing vast improvement during the Summer League, what can we expect from the 2015 second-overall selection moving forward?
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If you asked me, I’d tell you he’s not far off from developing into a superstar.
Realistically, Russell has everything you look for in an elite point guard. He’s more than capable of lighting it up from the field and creating his own shot, continues to get better at facilitating and plays strong (albeit inconsistent) defense.
That was all in Year 1, which means there’s plenty more room for the young guard to grow.
I’m really excited to see what the addition of Walton can do to further his progress. The new head coach runs an up-tempo attack, which should better utilize the young guard’s athleticism and quickness.
Having Bryant out of the equation will also allow him more freedom to lead the Los Angeles offense.
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All the tools are there for Russell to be a star. That’s why I’m predicting he’ll develop into a perennial All-Star before his time with the Lakers comes to a close.