I really think that if we wait until next year and just add George to this current group (plus Ball), that right there MIGHT be enough to make us contenders without even adding anybody else. And I don't think we'd need to offload any of our young core just because there might be some positional issues. George, Ingram, Ball, Russell, Randle, Clarkson, Zubac, Nance Doesn't matter who starts or what position you wanna label them. There is so much talent and upside there. In a few years when they develop some chemistry and learn how to play defense together, that could be a deadly 8 man rotation.
I'm absolutely certain George wants to play SF and truth be told, he is a SF. Ingram is also best suited as a SF. So signing George is with 100% certainty a problem for Ingram. It would make no sense to turn Ingram or George into a super sub. This team needs an infusion in the starting lineup. We will have to see how that turns out. It will also be important (if signed through free agency) to see how Ingram improves next year and whether we get a better picture of what he will become. He can become better than George and given his age, its not ridiculous to prefer him at SF (longterm). We will have to see. Ingram at SF is also an option even though he is best suited as a SF and with Russell at SG, its occupied to.
I think there was a shift in the positions. Durant plays PF. So do many other guys that are not really that much more physically imposing than George. Perhaps Luke will be able to convince him to split the time...
I'd rather package Randle, and I'm not at all interested in seeing a Lonzo ball lineup on defense. If he's on PGs, it's not going to be good. It may not be atrocious, but that won't be a positive.
Ingram and Clarkson were below NBA average last season. Russell, Randle, Zubac, and Nance were about NBA average or slightly above. George is very good. I think it would be crazy to think that adding a guy who is likely to be just a bit below NBA average next season (Ball or Fox or whichever rookie we draft) is going to make us into contenders. We MIGHT contend for a playoff spot.
I know it sounds crazy right now, but the person who would be playing PF eventually is Ingram. In extremely limited sample sizes he actually defended the position relatively well for a 100 lb beanpole rookie. His length is a real problem and he doesn't back down from physicality. As he gets older and puts on weight, he'll be the guy who is an ideal "death lineup" PF. Ball or Fox/Russell/George/Ingram/Randle Switch everything. If they bought in on defense, that has serious potential.
Agreed. Ingram is the one that will have to eventually play PF. His crazy length will offset any weight he gives up. But ideally he should be in the 230lb range. Hopefully Ingram can make the transition. If not that's why I threw out Porzingis name. There is no way PG13 is coming to LA to play PF.
If the team stays as constructed and Ball comes to the Lakers, a Ball, Dlo, George, Ingram, 1 thru 4 is a possibility in today's NBA. Center? If Randle is still around, could be a poor man's GSW at first but Ball is a pure PG and could exceed GSW if everyone develops to their top potential.
Not saying just adding the pick will immediately make us contenders. The pick, plus Paul George, plus another few years of development MIGHT make us contenders. I don't know what metrics you're using, but I don't think Ingram/Clarkson were below average last season. I certainly anticipate that at the very least Ingram and Russell will be above average in a few years... I think a lot of us are too impatient. It takes at least 3-4 years for most young talent to develop and learn to excel in the NBA. Look at the trajectory of Mike Conley through his first years and compare it to Russell. Look at the trajectory of Kawhi, PG13, Jimmy Butler and compare it to Ingram. Look at the trajectory of a guy like Josh Smith and compare it with Randle. PG13 and a bunch of rookies fresh from college aren't going anywhere. A core of PG13, Kawhi, and Conley would dominate. Based on what I've seen so far, I think it would be very pessimistic to say Ingram/Russell don't have a chance at developing into elite players like that. They do have that kind of potential.
I don't think Ingram is below average at all. Maybe shooting wise, but overall when you look at his game especially how he played at the end of the season that kid isn't far away from being a damn good NBA player and only a few years away from being an All Star. Russell is up and down, but the tools are clearly there. If the Lakers could add some quality shooting around him or as many anticipate drafting a player like Lonzo Ball that'll make him better and allow him to play his natural position that could and should really elevate his play. Paul George to me is a top 10 NBA player. Other than the small forward in Cleveland and in San Antonio I don't know that there are any two players I'd rather have than George. He's terrific. That Pacers team wasn't good the last two years and he took them to the playoffs and even though they got swept by the Cavaliers they actually gave them a tougher test than anyone else has this postseason. George makes his teammates better, he's gonna take over games, take and make big shots, and defend at a high level. You add Paul George to this young core which a year from now is gonna be significantly better after playing together for another year, improving their habits both defensively and offensively, and at worst I think you've got a playoff team. A contender? Probably not, but in a year or two you could very well have one if Ingram, Russell, and Ball develop like they should.
