Los Angeles Lakers: Imagining the rumored dream lineup with Kawhi Leonard

Point Guard: Lonzo Ball

There’s been a lot of speculation about what the Lakers would need to give up to pry Kawhi Leonard away from the Spurs. Lonzo Ball has been thrown into possible packages, but I believe Magic finds a way to keep his dynamic point guard.

That means the Lakers will likely have to part with Brandon Ingram. It’s a tough loss, but it’s not like they won’t have other wings on the roster to take his place. Keeping Ball to facilitate the offense and feed the new trio of superstars is more important than holding on to Ingram.

What I also like about Los Angeles retaining Ball is what it means on the defensive end. In the second half of his rookie season, the former No. 2 pick out of UCLA showed near-elite defensive skills. Not only was he pest for opposing ball-handlers, but he played passing lanes well and had a knack for blocking shots even when his man got past him.

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Especially with the massive fanbase Ball has built up over the last year, it makes sense for him to remain in a starring role for the Lake Show. It gives this rebuilt lineup a legitimate orchestrator at the point who can create consistent opportunities for his gaggle of superstars to get good looks at the basket.

He’s no longer the star of the show, but Ball gets to unlock his true potential alongside a plethora of All-Star talent. Plus, the huge pressure to be the go-to guy is lifted off his shoulders.