Kevin Durant compares himself to Brandon Ingram

NBA superstar Kevin Durant has recently said he believes that rookie Brandon Ingram of the Los Angeles Lakers is most like himself.

Comparisons between various superstars and younger players seem to happen every new season. With two very talented top prospects going No. 1 and No. 2 in this year’s draft, those comparisons started to arrive. Some have already talked about No. 1 pick Ben Simmons of the Sixers resembling passing skills of players such as Magic Johnson or LeBron James.

The No. 2 pick, Brandon Ingram, is getting similar comparisons, and straight from Durant himself.

Reporters caught up with the newest member of the Golden State Warriors during his recent Team USA practice session. According to Lakers Nation, Durant was quoted as saying…

"“I watched him almost every game this season. I’m a huge fan, first person I can say that I can look at him and feel like I’m looking in the mirror. I’m rooting for him.” That definitely sounds like a vote of confidence."

Durant also mentioned that he feels Ingram is “great” and “further along” than he was at this early stage of his career. He brought up the fact that Ingram is also playing with a great franchise that will push him to be better. The rookie may also have to deal with a great bit of pressure as he is being presumed by some fans and analysts to be the next great LA superstar after Kobe Bryant’s retirement.

Ingram has certainly shown talent during his NBA Summer League outings, although he’s also shown the flaws at times. That said, he’s possibly playing in a better situation than rookie counterpart Ben Simmons right now, as D’Angelo Russell, another No. 2 pick of the Lakers in 2015, may also be coming into his own as a new star.

The Lakers also feature former Kentucky big man Julius Randle, giving them a trio of young hopefuls who are looking to flourish for the future.

Durant and Ingram will meet up in the upcoming season, so expect to see how the rook does against the contending superstar. The ceiling is high and Ingram could be one of the next stars to arrive in Los Angeles. One would have to think Ingram will gain nothing but confidence with legitimate stars of the game giving him praise this early.

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