As the Los Angeles Lakers young core was working to come into their own last season, one question the group often faced was who could be considered a leader. Julius Randle was the most experienced but likely on his way out, after him was Brandon Ingram.
There were times Ingram spoke of wanting to a leader for the Lakers, particularly during late-game situations. That also applied to rookie Kyle Kuzma, while Lonzo Ball was identified by some as needing to be a leader as the team’s point guard.
The void was filled when the Lakers signed LeBron James and other veterans, namely Rajon Rondo.