Lakers Player Profile: Brandon Ingram
- Updated: October 25, 2016
Introduction: Brandon Ingram during his preseason has highlighted in his games precisely why they chose him second overall in the 2016 draft. His ability to shoot from three was what made him one of the highest commodities going into the upcoming season for a league that has distanced itself further and further from the paint. With the likes of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson providing a blueprint recipe on winning an NBA title, there has never been a higher emphasis on the need for players to be able to score from long-range. He did not disappoint either in the preseason where he shot 50 percent from three.
For Ingram though, his ability to score from outside is only just a tidbit on why the Lakers are so high on their future franchise face. His long and lanky 6’10 body and the ability to work both inside and out will allow for him in time to be one of the more versatile players in the league. Already being compared to the likes of Kevin Durant, the Lakers have reason to excited. Just consider this quote coming from Durant himself via Sports Illustrated’s Ben Golliver:
“He reminds me of myself. He’s a little farther along than I was at that stage. he’s with a great organization that’s going to push him. … He’s a great player. I watched him almost every game this season. I’m a huge fan. The first person that I can say that I look at him and say I’m looking in the mirror. I’m rooting for him.”
Ingram was able to back the praise up earlier in the preseason against the Warriors by dropping 21 points including 7-10 shooting and adding seven rebounds and four assists. That night Ingram showcased what he exactly he’s capable of moving forward. A repertoire of shot creation, creativity and the vision to become a five tool player.
What to expect: The Lakers under new head coach Luke Walton will be monitoring the progress of Ingram all season who will not be expected to start any games at least through the first half of the season although that could change based on the progress being made by Julius Randle and any injury setbacks to Luol Deng who missed eight games last year due to injury and hasn’t been a full 82 games since the 2010-2011 season with the Bulls.
The Lakers have also had to deal with unfortunate luck when it has come to injuries especially with its rookies in the past. Fans will remember watching Julius Randle play not even an entire half of his rookie year before breaking his leg and missing the rest of the 2014-2015 season. Also weighing in at 196 pounds, the 19-year old still has a lot of growing up to do in both his game and his body. Ultimately the Lakers have the job of making their hopeful future franchise face stay healthy and just progress as a player.
Outcome: The odds of the Lakers winning a championship let alone making a run to the playoffs is very slim. Still the grassroots project for the purple and gold has officially taken place and a player like Ingram will not just bring talent, but a level head. Even if Ingram doesn’t see the floor beyond 15-20 minutes a game his theme will be the theme of this season’s Lakers team as a whole: it’s all about progress.
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