Los Angeles Lakers: 3 keys to being legitimate contenders in 2018-19
3. The continued development of their young core
The ages of the Lakers’ so-called “young core,” including Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart: 20, 20, 23 and 23, respectively. In general, most NBA players tend to reach their peak in their mid-to-late 20s. Suffice it to say there’s still plenty more growing up to do for this group.
And yet, we’ve already seen impressive development from these four. Ingram took a huge step forward a season ago, and appears on pace to emerge as a legitimate star in 2018-19. Ball may have struggled to shoot as a rookie, but was an elite playmaker and solid defender. Kuzma brings uncanny scoring skills off the bench, and Hart proved he’s dripping with Sixth Man of the Year potential during Summer League.
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The point I’m trying to make here is that the sky is the limit for these young Lakers. As their careers mature, their talents will mature right along with them. One or two may hit a ceiling eventually, but each one has at least another year or two of considerable upward movement.
Ingram has already flashed potential as a disruptive two-way wing, and should make more progress in that regard in 2018-19. Ball is going to get better at shooting. Kuzma is already an offensive force, and should undergo defensive improvement. Hart could be the sleeper of the bunch, with the potential to emerge as a dynamic presence off the bench (or as a starter) this season.
We also mustn’t forget players like Moritz Wagner, Ivica Zubac and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, who all possess some semblance of upside. If another one of those three names can prove themselves as a quality contributor early in 2018-19, it’ll put a pretty little bow atop this package of young, tantalizing talent.
They may not be a bunch of seasoned, playoff-hardened veterans, but that’s what the next group I’m going to discuss is for.