Los Angeles Lakers: 5 reasons they will make the playoffs in 2017-18

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on with Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers during the preseason game against the Utah Jazz on October 10, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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3. Development of Brandon Ingram

In the 2016 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers held the second overall pick — the second time in three seasons that they would pick from that slot. After taking Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell in recent lotteries, they targeted lanky forward Brandon Ingram out of Duke with the pick.

Last season Ingram was one of the league’s youngest players, and it showed. His rail-thin frame was nearly worthless on defense, and his supposed strength — shooting — was yet another weakness. Ingram shot 40 percent from the field last season and just 29.4 percent from 3-point range.

This year Ingram is a year older, stronger and prepared to take a large step forward. He looked smooth and polished in his sole NBA Summer League appearance, and this preseason has averaged 10.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. Flashes of brilliance that he showed in his rookie year are ready to become the status quo.

With no other high-level prospect at small forward, Ingram will have plenty of opportunity to shine. As he grows into the NBA game, his shooting percentages will float back toward their expected levels. A stronger Ingram with a year of experience under his belt will be ready to play a crucial role on a team that will be improving week to week.

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