Ultimate potential of our young core (BUMP)

[gng930]

Assuming worst case scenario and we aren't able to attain any star free agents in the coming years, how far do you see our young core ultimately getting if they all play to their potential with Luke at the helm?

Zubac
Randle
Ingram
JC
DLO

Bench: Black, Nance, Brown

At this team's collective peak, how far do you see them going?

EDIT: D'oh the last option should be cellar-dweller purgatory. Doesn't look like I can edit poll options.

EDIT: Gotta include Zubac in this discussion now.
_________________
Luxury Tax/FA Spreadsheet (Save to your Google Drive to edit)

[Legacy]

IMO Ingram and DLO have star potential. Success might make all-stars out of some of our other players as well. Since we're talking "potential" here, I voted Championship. I mean, why not?

edit*

I in no way mean this coming season.

[governator]

This coming season, with no big FA, I'd be ecstatic fighting for the 8th spot

[lakurluv]

Chemistry is everything for the future of this Lakers Team. No matter what players we obtain through draft or free agency, that team of individuals will need to learn to play as a team... People can say what they want about GSW, rather they win back to back or not, but GSW plays as a team and their Chemistry is the best int he NBA. The Spurs have the same level of Chemistry and has had it for many years, that's why they've always been atop the league... The Lakers have had it in eras in spurts, but to build another dynasty it will be greatly needed.
Offense:
Whenever Huertas was on the Floor for the Lakers, you were able to see his unselfish play and ability to get others involved, which resulted in good basketball. From an offensive standpoint that will be the key. It should be obvious that Kobe won't be around for teammates to ball watch, so I expect more ball movement from this group of youngsters and a greater showing on the offensive side of the ball with a balance of scoring...
Defense:
If this group doesn't learn to stop the other teams from scoring it won't matter how great they play offensively. We need inside and perimeter defenders on this team. Whiteside or Biyombo should be targets simply because they are big defenders inside. Biyombo is smaller at 6'8-6'9 at center, but that's the league anyways right now.
Overall:
We have the talent to make it happen, JC-Russ-Randle are a great Trio of core players to build this team around. I definitely wouldn't trade JC simply because we can keep him at a reasonable price and he's proven himself and gotten better each year since his rookie season. Randle and Russ will no doubt do the same.
Keys to Next Year:
Draft and Free Agency:
The Sixers will draft Simmons just to spite the league and then move Okafor to the Celtics for the 3rd overall and get their wing in Hield. Lakers will get the consolation in Ingram, which could be a better defender than Durant in the long run. Saving us $$$ on the Durant sweepstakes. Harrison Barnes is restricted and I doubt we get him but it's worth a shot, but we need a 3! I think Ingram should play the 2 for the Lakers because of his weight. 3's will eat him up in the post at this level, some 2's might as well. Other than that we need to go after good solid defenders, don't just spend money because we can, KD is the only real prize this free agency and IMO he's going somewhere else. I'd actually prefer that!

[yinoma2001]

Star potential: DLO, 2nd pick

Long-time starter/borderline all star: Randle

Long-time starter on a championship squad: JC

Role players: Nance, Tarik.
_________________
From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals

[nash]

It's just impossible to predict how young players will develop long term, but to win in this league you should be able to defend and our young core overall is almost completely inept on defense. Nance is a decent team defender, but he lacks strength to contain stronger players and Brown our only other young player who had some good moments has yet to prove he belongs to NBA.

Russell and Clarkson are huge defensive liabilities. Russell had a few good moments using his smarts to anticipate plays, but his awareness overall is terrible just like Randle another potential defender without a clue about what to do just like Clarkson. Black is not that big and is not a physical defender being also foul prone.

Next season without significant additions this team is going to be bad again.

In a couple of seasons with a coach willing to teach what to do there is some hope, but these guys are far from a competitive squad at this moment.

[Halflife]

Championships without question.

[Denny_Russo]

Ingram and Russell will be superstars.

I think they will win the championship in 3 years.
_________________
Yi Jianlian Fanboy. Respect The Chair.
Starting anew. I'm retiring my main.

[yinoma2001]

With 3 max slots available during the 2016 and 2017 free agency time periods, I just have a hard time seeing the young core be the primary impetus (though I understand the premise of this thread).

What concerns me more is if we miss out on the top FAs, whether the FO will be tempted to trade any one of DLO/Top 2 pick to get another proven star. It's not that I don't want a proven star, but that I hope we get one via FA while keeping the young prospects.
_________________
From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals

[KindCrippler2000]

It's doubtful they build a makeshift contender again, as they are still paying the price for the Howard, Nash trades. Either they win one from the ground up or they won't win one at all.

[Four Decade Bandwagon]

I voted deep playoffs.

Even with an optimistic opinion of the development of all the young players, I still think there are some major weaknesses in just those players to win a ring.

Size and impact in the middle for one. I like Black but as a the full time starter he will struggle at times. Especially against the elite teams and centers he would face in a Championship run. Lakers need a center.

Luckily the Lakers do not have to rely on just these players. Adding to this young foundation through free agency over the next two years is going to be huge.

Either adding complimentary players or maybe more importantly making the young guys the complimentary players has me optimistic of improvement and the Lakers back to contender status in a couple years.

[governator]

[yinoma2001]

[governator]

[yinoma2001]

[KindCrippler2000]

Nance, Ingram and Russell will be lifers IMO.

Randle will need a jumper and I can see management parting ways if he doesn't improve in that area. Clarkson might end up being the best 6th man in the league if we add depth.

[KBH]

[oldschool32]

It's too hard to say right now. I have high hopes for the young guys. Individual potential I see as:

Ingram/Simmons:Franchise player
Russell:All star/bubble franchise player
Randle:Starter/bubble all star player
Clarkson:Starter/6th man
________________________________
Nance:High energy bench player
Black:3rd string to backup center

Obviously as a core, we need the entire unit to develop and reach their full potential. That said, this team will go as far as Russell and Simmons/Ingram take it.

Again, we are just talking about POTENTIAL. Unlikely that all four reach their potential, but hopefully Russell and the #2 do, because they have the most potential.
_________________
"It's just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up."-The Greatest

[Dave20]

Deep playoffs in 3 years. Championship caliber team in 5 years.

[Legacy]

[venturalakersfan]

[SweetP]

[audioaxes]

something common you see from the very top teams in the NBA:

warriors
thunder
spurs
cavs

...Are not just multiple all stars but atleast one top 10 level player. As of now I'm not confident you can project either DLO or Ingram as a top 10

[Vancouver Fan]

[yinoma2001]