I wouldn’t put any money on the Los Angeles Lakers making a run at the playoffs in 2017-18. Still, there will be some monstrous performances that make them worth watching this season.
Unfortunately for Los Angeles Lakers fans, it could still be another year before we see this team return to relevance. While the roster underwent improvements this offseason, it’s far from being worthy of a postseason appearance — especially in the West.
That, however, doesn’t mean this team won’t be worth tuning in for in 2017-18. This club boasts some exciting young options who will see plenty of playing time this upcoming season. There are even a few veterans who are destined to deliver a slew of highlight-reel plays before all is said and done.
Right now, though, I want to focus on a handful of players who are primed to put a hurting on opponents this upcoming campaign. These guys are the top playmakers for this squad, and it’ll show night in and night out. Before the 2017-18 season is in the books, all three of the players I’m about to highlight are going to put the NBA on notice.
So while this season may be a bummer for the Lakers, there’s something to look forward to.
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With that in mind, here are the three Lakers who I believe are going to turn in monstrous performances in 2017-18. Get ready, because this is going to be a whole new show compared to the laughingstock we’ve seen over the last few years.
Lonzo Ball, PG
If Lonzo Ball’s rookie season looks anything like his NBA Summer League performance, this is going to be a fun year to watch the Lakers play. It was constant fireworks for the No. 2 pick in his first NBA action, and I’d expect nothing short of the same during the regular season.
Sure, there are going to be some hiccups for Ball. He’s a rookie, so it isn’t going to be smooth sailing throughout his rookie campaign. In the end, though, it will be a monstrous season for one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.
Based on what we saw during Summer League, I don’t see Ball struggling to put up big numbers in 2017-18. Especially as the unquestioned starting point guard, he’ll get every opportunity to lead the offense and be an all-around playmaker. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up finishing in the top five in assists per game.
More than anything, though, Ball is changing the culture of this franchise. After four straight losing seasons, the Lakers are looking like a team on the rise. The former Bruin quickly instilled a sense of confidence and swagger in the Summer League lineup. Chances are he’ll do the same for the rest of the starters when the regular season tips off.
Will Ball be a All-Star or make the All-NBA team? I wouldn’t get my hopes too high. Yet, the All-Rookie team isn’t out of the question. Expect Ball to thrive as the Lakers’ new face of the franchise, especially with an intriguing mix of options around him to create opportunities for.
Rookies rarely make an overwhelming impact, especially at 19-20 years of age. In the case of Ball, though, he’ll be an exception to the rule.
Brook Lopez, C
Throughout the offseason, Lakers fans have been so focused on two things: the departure of D’Angelo Russell and the arrival of Ball. However, people seem to be missing one key component of Russell’s departure — the fact that Brook Lopez came over in that trade.
Last year, Lopez was easily a top-10 center for the Brooklyn Nets. Unfortunately, playing for the league’s worst team doesn’t exactly earn you a ton of recognition. However, when looking at the stats, it’s easy to see that he was the premier offensive force for the Nets.
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During the 2016-17 campaign, Lopez average 20.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. Although his rebound numbers were a career low, he nearly matched his points-per-game total and tied a career-high in assists. On top of that, he knocked down 134 three-point shots after making only three through his first eight seasons.
Put simply, the skills are there for the Hollywood native to be a star for the Lakers. That is, at least on the offensive end. While he does offer some rim protector abilities, Lopez doesn’t boast the agility or athleticism to stand out on defense. That doesn’t help Los Angeles improve on one of the NBA’s worst defenses from a season ago, but it is what it is.
We’ve already seen what type of impact Lopez can have at center. While there was some hope that Ivica Zubac could step into the starting role and shine in 2017-18, I believe Lopez gives the Lakers a legitimate threat at the 5.
Don’t be surprised if he improves on his numbers from a season ago, proving to be one of the Lakers’ top talents this year. Maybe he can convince the team to keep him around if their plan to pursue Paul George and LeBron James falls flat.
Brandon Ingram, SF
At some point, one of the Lakers’ top draft picks has to pan out, right? You would hope their own version of “The Process” wouldn’t be completely for nothing after all of these years of franchise-worst futility.
Well I’m guessing Brandon Ingram will finally buck the trend in 2017-18. Although his rookie season is largely considering a disappointment, the flashes of brilliance we saw were enough to convince me he can turn the corner sooner rather than later. And with a full year of NBA action under his belt, this seems like the perfect time for Ingram to pay dividends.
I mean, there’s a reason why Magic Johnson considers this kid untouchable. Ingram is an elite athlete and basketball talent, possessing all of the physical tools you’re looking for in a sensational NBA wing. He can get to the basket, knock down jumpers and make his presence felt on the defensive end.
With a stronger supporting cast this season, I’d expect him to elevate his game to new heights. He’s got Ball, who proved during Summer League that his passing is already at elite levels. Then there’s Lopez in the middle, who can dominate the boards and get the Lakers extra possessions on offense. Even Kentavious Caldwell-Pope brings value as a floor spacer and defensive star who is going to create extra transition opportunities.
It’s all coming together for Ingram to enjoy a breakout season in Los Angeles.
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If I were a betting man, I’d put my money on Ingram doing much more than just flashing his star potential in 2017-18. We’re going to see it early and often, with the Lakers’ 2016 No. 2 pick earning some All-Star consideration along the way.