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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 takeaways from the 2018-19 NBA season

By Tony Pesta

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on March 24, 2019 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. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images,)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on March 24, 2019 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. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images,) /
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(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

5. Brandon Ingram is the team’s best asset

This season was absolute mayhem for the Los Angeles Lakers in terms of trade talks. When Anthony Davis reportedly requested a trade out of New Orleans, it was only a matter of time before leaks came out about the Lakers shopping multiple players.

The mayhem that ensued played a large role in the team losing as many games as it did. The Lakers’ chemistry was sabotaged, as players such as Josh Hart, Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball and many others heard their names being shopped on the trade block.

As a result, the Lakers began to struggle. Hart, in particular, averaged only 2.9 points per game from the time the initial reports released (Jan. 28) to the end of the trade deadline (Feb. 7). While most players involved in the rumors saw their numbers decrease, one player actually elevated his game in the face of adversity: Brandon Ingram.

Ingram began to play the best basketball of his career with his position on the team in jeopardy. Over the course of 13 games, Ingram averaged 23.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game on 55.1 percent shooting. This stretch included three games of 30-plus points as well as a career-high 36-point performance.

Out of all of the young players on the roster, Ingram has stood above the rest as the one with the most All-Star potential. It is unclear whether or not L.A. will want to trade Ingram, especially after a season-ending injury decreased his league-wide value, but he is certainly their most valuable asset now outside of LeBron James.

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