NBA 2018-19: 3 reasons why Los Angeles Lakers need to keep Brandon Ingram

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently being linked with some of the biggest stars in the NBA. However, Magic Johnson will need to sacrifice some members on the current roster if the Lakers are to pull off a deal for a player such as Anthony Davis or Bradley Beal.

Brandon Ingram is among the stars being linked with a trade away from the Lakers. The 21-year-old was selected by the Lakers with the second overall pick of the 2016 NBA draft, and it looked as though the player would be a vital piece in the team for years to come.

During his debut season, Ingram averaged 9.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists, despite playing just 28 minutes each game. He became a regular starter in his second NBA season, and he has remained in the starting five despite LeBron James' arrival.

Ingram seems like a future Lakers superstar, and here we look at three reasons why the Lakers should keep the 21-year-old out of any trade talks.

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#3 The Lakers have more expandable options

Lonzo Ball is another of the Lakers young core

Every member of the Lakers' much talked about 'young core' is talented, although some players look as though they are more replaceable than others. For instance, the Lakers seem like they want to sign a new point guard, so Lonzo Ball's future on the team looks in doubt - regardless of his performances and growth.

Josh Hart and Kyle Kuzma, meanwhile, both offer a lot to the Lakers on the offensive end. However, there is an abundance of similar players around the league, which makes both players replaceable.

In comparison, Ingram is a unique player who the Lakers would have immense difficulty in replacing. Unlike the team's other young players, the 21-year-old has the potential to become a top 10 player in the NBA.

The Lakers are going to need to eventually break up their young core. But Ingram should be the last player made available for trade.

#2 He has got better with each passing season

When drafted, Brandon Ingram was seen by many as a key piece to the future of the Los Angeles Lakers

It is easy to forget that Ingram is still just 21 years old. He was drafted in 2016 when he was just 18, and many experts believe that the youngster is still adjusting to the demands of the NBA.

Despite that, Ingram has developed quickly and continues to show improvement as he embarks on his third season in the NBA.

Ingram can play at both shooting guard and small forward, and he averaged 9.4 points and 2.1 assists in his debut season. His second season in the NBA was widely considered his breakout year, as the youngster averaged an impressive 16.1 points per game and also nearly doubled his assist rate from the previous season.

His figures have suffered a slight drop this season, but this can be attributed to LeBron James' tendency to dominate the ball. Despite a reduction in stats though, Ingram is impressing once again, and due to his age, it looks likely that he will get even better over the next few seasons.

#1 His potential has no ceiling

Brandom Ingram has been a regular starter for the Los Angeles Lakers this season

As previously mentioned, Ingram's improvement has been notable over the last two seasons. But we still have no idea just how good the youngster can become.

The 21-year-old's game has already drawn comparisons to that of Warriors superstar Kevin Durant, and there is no reason why Ingram won't eventually become one of the best 5 players in the entire NBA.

Ingram has the potential to one day become a Lakers legend. Based on his current projection, he can easily average a stat line of 25-7-7 for the season in the future.

That is why it would be a huge mistake for the Lakers to trade away a player who is showing so much potential.

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