Second-year forward Brandon Ingram will be tasked with a much bigger load this upcoming season, likely at the wheel of the starting small forward spot and expected to develop as an all-around player for the team.
Having sat behind a veteran like Luol Deng for the majority of last season has given the Duke standout an ample view at what it means to hold a presence in the locker room and the importance of it. Ingram knows he'll have to step up coming into this season.
“Of course,” Ingram told Spectrum SportsNet via Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation. “Just the respect these guys have for me and the respect I have for these guys I think everybody can teach each other something. I try to lead by example and of course I try to throw my voice in there also so I think that’s also a big year for this. I feel very comfortable talking to these guys, trying to lead by example so I think it is a big year for that also.”
Ingram has shown potential handling the ball, shooting the ball from distance and facilitating, but he'll have to do so consistently to command the respect and support of his teammates.
A 28-point outing in the Summer League was proof of the work he had put forward in the offseason, but much like his fellow No. 2 overall pick Lonzo Ball, he'll be judged on how consistent he is with his game.