Los Angeles Lakers: 3 candidates for a breakout season in 2018-19

(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Lonzo Ball

My top breakout candidate for the upcoming season is Lonzo Ball. Just like Ingram, Lonzo was the No. 2 overall pick in his own draft class, the 2017 NBA Draft, and left people wanting more in his rookie season. His shooting numbers were historically low (36.0 percent on field goal attempts, 45.1 free throw percentage) and he wasn’t much better on 3-point attempts (30.5 percent).

His shot form looks improved on some workout videos (doesn’t mean much), along with his ball-handling and pick-and-roll maneuvering, but besides that, I don’t think anybody will benefit from the presence of LeBron James and Rajon Rondo more than Ball.

For starters, outside of his shooting percentages, Lonzo had a solid rookie season. His passing and ball movement is exceptional, he’s a strong rebounder as a guard and his defense was well above average for a rookie.

Add in two of the smartest players in the NBA teaching him the in and outs of the game that will take the ball out of his hands in the half-court (where he’s weakest) and make him a spot-up shooter (improved in the second half before injury). LeBron in particular is the perfect player to play with Lonzo’s up-tempo favored play. Having these two zip the ball around the court in transition or half-court will be special to watch.

Next. Top 10 candidates for 2018-19 Most Improved Player award. dark

Like Ingram, Lonzo’s numbers may not spike, but being efficient is just as important to a team’s success. Breaking out and growing as a player is more than numbers, and Ball will be more adapted to the speed of the NBA in his second season. He won’t be full strength at training camp due to arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, but there’s no player to be more excited about than Lonzo Ball. Expect him to make a massive jump and make his imprint on the Lakers’ style of play.