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Lakers’ Brandon Ingram shines in NBA Summer League debut

By Matt Couden

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 23: Brandon Ingram walks off stage after being drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 23, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 23: Brandon Ingram walks off stage after being drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 23, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Lakers rookie Brandon Ingram made his Summer League debut and could be the next superstar for the Los Angeles Lakers.

On Friday night, rookie Brandon Ingram gave Los Angeles Lakers fans a small glimpse of his future NBA potential. Ingram was able to put together a stat line of 12 points, four rebounds, two blocks and one assist. The 6-foot-9 rookie out of Duke shot 5-for-9 in an 85-65 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. While the stats may not jump out at most Lakers fans, the major takeaway from his debut was Ingram didn’t force the action, according to teammates and coaches who saw the performance in Las Vegas.

The No. 2 overall pick in this past June’s NBA Draft is considered the beneficiary of a team left behind by Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, which has left him with some big shoes to fill. While he may not necessarily become the next Kobe, the 19-year-old was touted as one of the top two best players available in this year’s draft, along with LSU’s Ben Simmons. While at Duke, Ingram averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and two assists per game over the course of his 2015 season at the school.

Having to live up to the high standards in Los Angeles could certainly give most players plenty to be nervous about. However, he also has the previous year’s No. 2 pick, D’Angelo Russell, providing him guidance and support as he embarks on his pro career. Russell had a shaky start to his summer league last summer due to the jitters that most players entering the league might initially feel.

Of Russell’s early mentoring, Ingram said, via ESPN, “He’s been a leader through practice, and of course, he was a leader today, just telling me to get to my spots and he’ll find me. Just playing with D’Angelo, he makes the game a lot easier — just getting to my spots. He has confidence in me, so I have confidence in myself to get to my midrange pull-up and get to the basket.”

As for Russell, he recorded an impressive sophomore stat line for the summer league with 20 points, 11 boards and six assists. With these two promising talents now in the lineup, Lakers fans are certainly hoping that the duo of Russell and Ingram will give Los Angeles something to get excited about in the 2016-17 NBA season.

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