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Los Angeles Lakers: Three bold predictions for the second half

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 31: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks toward the bench during a 123-120 win over the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 31, 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 31: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks toward the bench during a 123-120 win over the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 31, 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 Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Brandon Ingram will emerge as the Lakers’ second star

Brandon Ingram has taken a slight step up statistically with LeBron James this season but has not made the leap that many had hoped for. In fact, if anything, Kyle Kuzma has made a bigger leap on the Lakers and has emerged as the Lakers’ second option behind James.

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Ingram’s numbers did get better in the month of January while the team was out but it obviously did not lead to results. Ingram’s scoring jumped to 19.1 points per game to go along with six rebounds and 4.1 assists.

However, in February, Ingram’s scoring dropped back down to where it has been all year. Ingram is averaging 16.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in five games. Not a big sample size but it is a noticeable drop.

Ingram has still shown some flashes of brilliance this season and even dropped 36 points in a losing effort to the Philadelphia 76ers. His best performance in a win was on Jan. 7, where he scored 29 against the Dallas Mavericks.

Most of these great flashes came without LeBron, which could be concerning and might lead to some doubts on whether or not Ingram can step it up down the stretch.

With Ball still out and the Lakers needed to make a push that the young core has not experienced, Ingram is going to have to step it up. He is still the most talented of the young core and has the highest ceiling and this is going to be the time when he finally does step it up and showcase that potential.

Next. Plan B trade options for Anthony Davis. dark

If not, well, you cannot really blame LeBron James if he wants the front office to trade him. However, we think it is going to happen and Ingram is going to play great basketball in the second half.

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