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Los Angeles Lakers: The three things we’ve learned with LeBron James out

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 04: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers argues an out of bounds call with referee Ken Mauer #41 during a 119-112 New York Knicks win at Staples Center on January 04, 2019 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 04: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers argues an out of bounds call with referee Ken Mauer #41 during a 119-112 New York Knicks win at Staples Center on January 04, 2019 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Kyle Kuzma, not Lonzo Ball or Brandon Ingram, is the Lakers’ second best player

It was a big question entering the season who from the Los Angeles Lakers young core would step up and emerge as the Robin to LeBron’s Batman this season. The common consensus was Brandon Ingram; he is a year farther along in his development and has showcased legitimate star potential.

However, since James has been out and the young core has been tasked with winning, it has become evident that Kyle Kuzma is the true number two on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kuzma has missed time as well since LeBron has been out but has played in the Lakers’ only two wins since the superstar has been out. Kuzma did not have a huge game against Dallas but did drop 18 with nine rebounds and six assists in the win over the Kings before the New Year.

Kuzma has been the most consistent of the three players all season long with Ball and Ingram struggling to lead the team with LeBron out. While both guys have had some good showings, they have not produced the kind of results that the front office was looking for.

It will be interesting to see how this affects the future of the team, in fact, it seems like it will ensure that the Lakers will make a certain move for a certain superstar; leading into the third thing that we have learned in these seven games.

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