Lakers: Three huge returns LA could get if they deal Brandon Ingram
By Jason Reed
We have talked about this deal before and here we are talking about it again. Klay Thompson is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars in the NBA and if he was able to be the number option on his own team he could flirt with the MVP. We have all seen how dangerous and how quick Thompson can get hot, and in LA, he has all of that freedom.
Thompson has played in the shadow of Steph Curry, and now Kevin Durant, his entire career. With Curry’s record-setting contract and Durant taking a pay cut, the Warriors are going to have to make some decisions with Thompson.
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Instead of resigning him to a max contract in two years, the Warriors may get more out of Thompson if they deal him. Golden State can sacrifice one year of Thompson (2018-19) and still will be the best team in the NBA. Especially if they get this return, the Warriors will be in fine shape.
Now, the Lakers would get a star that can attract other stars as well as getting Thompson at his best. Even if they bring in LeBron James, he will just distribute to Thompson, causing him to be the best scorer LA has seen since Kobe.
Thompson is averaging 22.3 points per game with a .468 field goal percentage in Golden State. Alongside Ball and James, Thompson’s shots per game would rise to around 20 – likely bringing his scoring average to the high twenties.
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A starting five consisting of Ball, Thompson, James, Randle and Lopez (utilizing his Bird Rights this offseason) is definitely enough for a title run. If the Lakers want to win a championship sooner than later, this is the deal to do.