Lakers Rumors: Predicting each players’ stat-line next season

SG. D’Angelo Russell

Predicted Stats: 18.0 PPG, 3.5 APG, 3.0 RPG

D’Angelo Russell is widely regarded as the focal point of this Lakers rebuild, as they want him to lead the way and become the superstar that Los Angeles needs. Some would argue that Brandon Ingram also fits this billing, which he does, but I believe the front office looks at Russell as the key center point around a rebuild.

Heck, even if they trade him, they realize how valuable Russell can be. Magic Johnson recently spoke out, saying that Brandon Ingram is the only untouchable on this Lakers roster. I would say that Russell has a higher ceiling than Ingram, and could bring a superstar into Los Angeles – prompting Magic to rule out a trade for Ingram, where they likely wouldn’t get a fair return.

Regardless, the Lakers are likely going to turn to Russell to be their leading scorer next season. Moving over to a more natural shooting guard position, we are going to see Russell utilize his catch and shoot game more frequently. With Ball likely driving and kicking out, Russell will need to be up top, with Ingram in the corner, to make these open looks.

Russell is a career 35% three-point shooter, and if he can slightly improve this mark we could even see him break the 20 point barrier. Regardless, Russell will be the first option for Luke Walton’s offense, and we will see his points per game rise by around 2.4 – which was also the improvement from his rookie to sophomore year.