Wait, wait, wait patiently. Hasn’t the Los Angeles Lakers’ season with LeBron James been an unmitigated disaster?
You can call it that, sure. But remember we’re talking about James’ initial time in Hollywood. He’s signed on for at least two and, other than shouldering some blows he looks like the most dominant force of the league.
That’s where the Lakers’ foundation begins. It may be enough on its own to warrant our top spot.
But there is more to consider here.
Former No. 2 select Brandon Ingram was in the midst of a breakout until deep venous thrombosis prematurely finished his third time. Kyle Kuzma year’s diamond in the rough, has pushed his counting categories nearly all forward. Lonzo Ball continued flooding stat sheets with per-36-minute marks of 11.8 points, 6.5 assists and 6.3 rebounds before an ankle injury closed him down.
Kuzma is 23 years old; Ball and Ingram are 21. Whether they are trade chips or building blocks, they remain valuable assets.
They will need more win-now help if the Lakers are going to make a tournament run with James. But given their fiscal flexibility, young talent and possible top-10 pick this summerthey possess the capacity to snag a celebrity (or more) for the second straight offseason.
Read more: mma-2019.com
