Los Angeles Lakers: 3 bold predictions for 2018-19 NBA season

1. Brandon Ingram makes the All-Star team

This is perhaps a year or two early, but these are supposed to be bold. Brandon Ingram faces a massive uphill battle to make his first All-Star team, but there is a strong case to be made he will achieve it this season.

We’ll quickly take a look at the factors standing in his way. First, the Western Conference boasts Kevin Durant, LeBron, Anthony Davis, Paul George, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns and others that are close to locks for the frontcourt spots on the roster. Second, we have yet to see Brandon Ingram consistently put together his flashes for long stretches of time.

But if the preseason is any indication of what’s to come with Ingram in this spot, he’s due for a major breakout. He’s averaging 17.4 points per game in 25.7 minutes per contest while shooting 47.4 percent from the field. Ingram is shooting 8.0 free throws per game (improving his percentage drastically as well), and clearly taking advantage of driving lanes opened by playing in space.

A jump for Brandon Ingram is expected given his progress from season one to season two and now entering his third season, but with so many teams throwing their best wing defenders onto LeBron James, Ingram will go up against secondary wing defenders every single night. His length allows him to finish over anybody or get fouled, and he knows his strength is getting to the rim.

The on-court leap will take care of itself, but the Los Angeles Lakers fans play a part in this as well. Their fans love Ingram and all of their players, and fan vote decides the five starters in each conference. I don’t know if they have the power to outvote Kevin Durant or Anthony Davis, but don’t doubt this fanbase and how much attention will be on this team to push Ingram over the top into a starting spot.

If not by the fans, his numbers will speak for themselves. Being the running mate to LeBron on one of the most watched and best teams in the NBA is a recipe for an All-Star appearance. Brandon Ingram will be the benefactor of this and make his first career All-Star game.