The Los Angeles Lakers started the season with a respectable 10-10 with a chance of reaching the playoffs. Since then, the Lakers won a total of 10 games and has stumbled to a 20-48 record for the league's second-worst standing. It's expected that the team will struggle after the departure of Kobe Bryant. But a promising start turned out to be false hope. Lakers Coach, Luke Walton gives his opinion on the team's performance.
Speaking to Fox Sports, Luke Walton explains what the Los Angeles Lakers need in order to take things to the next level. According to the rookie coach, the Lakers are missing the one alpha male who would take matters into his own hands once the team is facing adversity. The Lakers are primarily comprised of young players who are still lacking in experience and as such lack the confidence to take over the game.
So far, the Los Angeles Laker's young core of players have failed to show signs of a star in the making. D'Angelo Russell was the 2nd pick in the 2015 draft and has since failed to carry the team's offense despite being the top scorer. The point guard is shooting an abysmal 39.9% from the field and has gone 6-for-26 in the two games he came off the bench. Pretty disappointing numbers coming from a 2nd pick.
Brandon Ingram is this year's 2nd pick in the draft for the Los Angeles Lakers but has so far shown little potential to his game. His 6'9" frame with the agility of guards have drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant. But before Ingram could become the team's alpha male, he has to bulk up massively this summer. His position requires him to defend bigger and sometimes taller opponents and the extra muscle would definitely help him.
The disappoint young core has led others to believe that the Los Angeles Lakers may need to trade their players to get the alpha dog they need. Lakers Nation reports that the Lakers were targeting Jimmy Butler trade before the deadline but to no avail. This summer will be their next chance to get Bulter or a different alpha male.
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