The Lakers will have enough salary-cap space to sign another top-level free agent next summer and there’s sure to be plenty of speculation about who will join LeBron James in Los Angeles. Will it be Kevin Durant? Kawhi Leonard? Jimmy Butler? Klay Thompson? DeMarcus Cousins?
However, there’s still a full season to be played before those stars hit the market. Someone will have to emerge as the No. 2 scoring option from the current roster and establish himself as a top-level performer in his own right.
After securing a commitment from James, the Lakers front office brought in an eclectic mix of free agents on short-term deals. It’s more likely that James’ right-hand man will be one of the young holdovers.
Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma are the most obvious candidates. Ingram, the second overall pick of the 2016 draft, showed significant improvement in his second season. He averaged 16.1 PPG and shot 47% from the field and 39% from long range. He also display playmaking ability by averaging nearly four assists per contest.
Kuzma made an immediate impact despite lasting until the 27th pick of the 2017 draft. The stretch four also averaged 16.1 PPG last season while connecting on 45% of his attempts and 36.6% from deep.
It’s logical to assume they’ll play together when the Lakers go small; in more conventional looks, one or the other will be on the bench when James is on the court.
That could open up the possibility of a guard becoming the secondary option. If that’s the case, then Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could wind up as the second-leading scorer. Caldwell-Pope averaged 13.4 PPG in his first season with the Lakers and re-signed on a one-year deal. He’s improved steadily as a 3-point threat, making a career-best 38.3% last season.
And while Lonzo Ball‘s first year in the league didn’t go as smoothly as planned, the Lakers thought enough of him to use the No. 2 overall pick last summer on him. His shot needs a lot of work but he’s always a threat to post a triple-double and he’ll play more off the ball with the additions of James and Rajon Rondo.
That leads us to our question of the day: Who will emerge as the Lakers’ No. 2 scoring option during the upcoming season?
Please take to the comments section to weigh in on this topic. We look forward to what you have to say.
I have a feeling the no. 2 scorer will alternate each night.
Kuz, Ingram and KCP will all catch fire on different nights, both averaging around the 16-18ppg mark. Ball will be a big improver too. Bron will go for close to 28-30 a night, not from being selfish – I can just see the chemistry being there, and a LOT of space opening up for those 5, plus with Rondo and Balls vision and ability to find the open man
Looks like DeMarcus maybe. Kawhi doesn’t want to be the no. 2 option. Klay, Steph, and Kevin Durant will be together for 6 more years. Jimmy Butler is possible, but DeMarcus is more likely.
For this year it depends on if what’s his name wants to give the ball up. He’s been known to get guys traded. They probably won’t trade Ingram, but if he and what’s his name play together, he may not see the ball as much as he likes.
They are talking about the upcoming season, not next season
I am too with Brandon Ingram.
Lakers should taken a lesson from this season, they simply aren’t the free agent destination they believe they are. There is no “honor” in simply being a laker. Klay has said time and time again he has no interest in playing in LA. Leonard doesn’t want to be under LeBron, and cousins has given zero signs that he wants to he a laker. Heck even Durant has said it ain’t happening as he isn’t leaving the warriors. More fake news fantasy from the propaganda center of the planet. LA is a trash heap.
Dog pee in your beer again?
Probably got his cereal again..Soggy “coco puffs” will put anyone in quite the bad mood…lol
#LakersAllTheWay
#LeBronIsTheGod
#Chammy!!
I think Ingram will be overall the 2nd option & Kuzma the 3rd, as KCP might not be an option going forward beyond this year, though he is valuable, more defensively than offensively. Particularly, I think Ball will have a great season, with an improved shot.
For the next season is gotta be DMC, if fully healthy, or maybe Butler.
Last year the Lakers played together. Shared the ball. This year they will have more players who demand the ball more often. I dont think the scoring will be as it was last year. Lakers are in win now mode which mean shorten rotations and selected shot selections. Ingram scored mostly on one on one situations…struggle iso’s. I think it will be between Kuzma and KCP. Giving the edge to Kuzma cuz his shot is so pure and he contributes more all around…plus hes 6’9″ and after having a great rookie season I expect some of his numbers to go up this year.
I think Beasley will be the no. 2………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………(as in a turd). Jk Beas was alright on the knicks. That being said LBJs no. 2 will be Lonzo. Zo will be the player that benefits the most from playing with Lebron as ball dominant guards have been his no. 2 in the past. Ingram and Kuz will have to take a backseat to #Lebronzo. Zo will average 14/8/8. Magic needs his validation for picking Zo and shipping DLo and will make sure that happens with Lebrons help. He didn’t go to LA to play w Rondo. I could be wrong but I think he sees Zo as a little brother and will (hopefully) push Lavar out of the picture. If that doesn’t happen then its not like they don’t have cap space and young talent to trade. As a fan I would love a Lakers-Dubs WCF and Dubs-Celtics Finals. Cue Adam Silver saying “are you not entertained?!”
Well Dubs/Lakers WCF would be more like Wild Bill Hickcock shooting bad guy Dave Tutt right thru thru the heart on National TV then Steph Curry/Wild Bill announces to the world ”Are you satisfied?” right after he shoots the lights out of Game 4 & sweeps the Lakers!!!! Lakers will be between 5 & 8 maybe seeing the Dubs first round in the playoffs.
Lol yes I agree but isn’t that entertaining? I guess a 1st round dubs/lakers matchup would be fun then you can have dubs/rockets WCF.
Whoever the other F is, will probably be more defensive oriented, and get fewer minutes. KCPope will get PT and firing from the deep right side should make KCPope the #2 scorer, if he can adjust to the right side. His shot chart shows that’s not his preference, but it’s not Lebron’s either.
KCP was a close second in my opinion about Lonzo being No. 2 actually. One of those guys over the BI/Kuz minute reduced season.