D'Angelo Russell could be the next face of the Los Angeles Lakers franchise as many touts the young point guard touted to have a breakout season. But while it would be great news for fans to finally see a star playing in Los Angeles, Russell's emergence to assume that role could open up trade for the Lakers' other talented youngsters.
The Lakers are in a quest to find someone who could carry the team moving forward, and with a plethora of talented prospects in their lineup, Los Angeles could easily choose who among their youngsters have the potential to become the next franchise player. Many believe Russell, the second overall pick in 2015, has the most upside to become the next face of the Lakers, according to Gil Alcaraz IV of Fansided's Hoops Habit.
"The first, and most likely, option [to assume the star role in LA] at this moment is D'Angelo Russell." Alcaraz wrote.
"The sophomore point guard flashed some serious skills a year ago, and has looked like the team's go-to star through the Summer League and preseason. However, he needs to mature and display some consistency before we can crown him the new face of the Lakers."
Some of the NBA general managers also predict Russell to play at a high level this season after a disappointing stint last year. The 20-year-old point guard was voted as the fourth most likely player to have a breakout season in the annual NBA.com GM survey.
Russell has the tools to make a leap in his young career and he has shown as early as the preseason that he could be the leader of the Lakers' youthful squad. Russell, who averaged 13.2 points and 3.3 assists in his rookie season, could put the Lakers back into contention if he can reach his full potential and grow alongside Jordan Clarkson, Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle.
However, Russell become the next Lakers star could also push the team to trade the likes of Clarkson, Ingram and Randle.
Unlike Russell, Clarkson and Randle have yet to establish themselves as a star in the making. There is no denying both player's skillset, especially on the offensive end. Clarkson has improved on that department last season, posting 15.5 points per game, while Randle also had a solid campaign with double-double averages of 11.3 points and 10.2 rebounds. However, Clarkson and Randle have displayed very limited effectiveness on the defensive end, which could see them playing a limited role in Luke Walton's schemes.
On the other hand, Ingram has yet to showcase what he could do in the professional level, but has impressed so far in the preseason. Ingram could be the Lakers' other option as the team's next star, but if he do not live up to expectations, the No. 2 overall pick could certainly be included on any potential deal.
But trading these youngsters would still depend on the Lakers' goals. If they believe Clarkson, Ingram and Randle could become All-Stars in the foreseeable future, the Lakers could wait for a few more seasons to see them develop. But if LA gets impatient and plans to get back on track as soon as possible, which has always been their mentality, it is not impossible to see these names on the trading block.
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