The Los Angeles Lakers made Brandon Ingram the second overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, and the early returns after Summer League seem promising.
Though he struggled at times with the physicality, Ingram showed flashes of his smooth jumper, ball handling, and defensive capabilities. He ended the Summer on a high note notching 22 points, five rebounds, and four assists in the Lakers’ finale against the Utah Jazz.
Lakers head coach Luke Walton sees a lot of potential in Ingram and in an interview on LA Today with Bill Reiter and Leeann Tweeden, Walton said that he believes Ingram has All-Star potential:
He has a very unique skill set that will allow him to possibly be an All-Star caliber player in this league. Obviously you never know how things work out, but I think he has a bright future.
Walton also spoke about Ingram’s versatility and believes he will be able to play a number of positions for the Lakers:
I see him being able to play multiple positions for us with that length; the 2-spot, 3-spot, even the 4-spot once he gets stronger so we’re very excited about him.
Versatility is extremely necessary in today’s NBA as players who can play multiple roles and guard different positions are more valuable. The Golden State Warriors are a prime example as they have a number of players who can do everything on the court. The Lakers are beginning to do the same.
Ingram has the height and length to be a problem on the perimeter right now, and if he can add some strength, he would be able to play power forward in this day and age where stretching the floor is vital.
With Ingram, D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., and Julius Randle the Lakers have a few guys who are not only talented but have the ability to play multiple positions. With Walton leading them, the Lakers are certainly on the rise.