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Los Angeles Lakers: Two 2019 all-stars are already on the roster

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 05: Head coach Luke Walton talks with Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on January 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 05: Head coach Luke Walton talks with Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on January 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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The narrative for the 2018 summer has been painted for over a year: the Los Angeles Lakers want multiple superstars. Those stars are arguably already on the roster.

The Los Angeles Lakers want some star power, in fact, the team needs some star power to emerge out of the worst stretch in franchise history. For a franchise as illustrious as LA, missing five consecutive playoffs is a huge surprise.

It is no surprise that the Los Angeles Lakers may be looking to add superstars this summer, either. Before the 2016-2017 season even ended the Lakers were tied to the likes of Paul George and Jimmy Butler.

Over a year later and George is still a potential candidate alongside LeBron James, DeAndre Jordan, DeMarcus Cousins and really anyone that can help the team win.

This has created several different super team scenarios that all would lead to the Lakers reemerging in title contention. And while some may call this fan speculation, the front office has cleared up $61 million in cap space this summer for a reason. Something is planned.

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These scenarios are great and give the fans a hope of what is ahead. However, what is often getting overlooked in these utopian scenarios is the talent that is already on the roster. The Los Angeles Lakers have built a very formidable core and everyone is seemingly forgetting about it.

The young four of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle and Kyle Kuzma is primed for great things in the future. All four are very talented and all will likely be all-stars at some point in their careers.

However, two of the young four are ready to be all-stars as ready as next season. And while the Lakers may still be out to lure in two superstars, it appears that Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram are both ready to take that leap.

Both already took a significant leap last season. Randle has a stellar second half of the season after getting an increased workload. Ingram upped his scoring to 16.1 points per game, giving an indication that he may be ready to drop 20 a game as early as next year.

Randle is an easy choice to be an all-star if he continues to average around 20 points and 10 rebounds per game, which were his second-half numbers. Ingram, on the other hand, is going to have to build on the foundation set in the first two seasons to really make a push for the all-star team.

It may be unlikely that four players would make the team if the Lakers do get two more stars. There is only one basketball.

However, there is no doubt in my mind that both Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram are ready to be all-star caliber next season.

Next: Lakers should trade, not sign, Paul George

So before you start looking around at what all-stars the Los Angeles Lakers could have, enjoy the two that the team already has.

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