Ever since becoming a household name as the star of the Duke Blue Devils, Brandon Ingram has been compared to NBA superstar Kevin Durant. Both players sport a skinny frame with a unique skill set to do basically whatever they want to do on the basketball floor. Their size, length, and shooting ability set them apart making it incredibly difficult for defenders.
With Ingram’s rookie debut with the Lakers right around the corner, the 18-year-old was asked which player in the league he idolizes and is looking forward to facing in his first season. Ingram’s answer was somewhat predictable with the Lakers newcomer circulating dates he’ll be taking on Durant and the Golden State Warriors, via USA Today:
“I like Kevin Durant,” Ingram told USA Today Sports. “Always idolized his game. Just the way he moves. His body size, body type. The way he plays the game. The way he carries himself. I think I’m going to be very excited when I matchup with him.”
Ingram won’t have to wait long to get a shot at Durant on the basketball floor. The Lakers will face the Warriors twice during the NBA preseason with the rookie potentially seeing some time going head-to-head against the perennial All-Star. Los Angeles will take on the defending Western Conference champions on Oct. 15 in Las Vegas at the T-Mobile Arena and on Oct. 19 in San Diego at the Valley View Casino Center.
As for the regular season, the Lakers will take on Durant’s Warriors four times. Three of those matchups will take place in November. The first of the three games will be held at the Staples Center on Nov. 4 followed consecutive games on Nov. 23 in Oakland at Oracle Arena and Nov. 25 back in Los Angeles.
Ingram will go up against Durant one last time in the regular-season finale for both teams April 12 at the Staples Center. Durant may not even suit up for this game if Steve Kerr and company decide to rest him for the playoffs.