With the Los Angeles Lakers showing an utter reluctance to involve second-year forward Brandon Ingram in any trade offer, it has placed an extremely high value on his importance to the team's future and potential to develop into a star player in the league.
This notion was only cemented on Thursday following the introductory press conference for the Lakers' remaining rookies as team president Magic Johnson stated during an interview with Spectrum Sportsnet LA that he believes Ingram will be their leader on both ends of the floor.
“You take into account Brandon Ingram, he’s gotten better and better. He’s really the guy that we’re going to look to lead us, because offensively and defensively he’s a talent you don’t find too many times.
Although Ingram's numbers from his rookie season don't exactly jump off the paper, it was an encouraging first year. The 19-year-old improved as the season wore on as he had his best month in March averaging 13.5 points on 51.7 percent shooting from the field with 4.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 steals in 11 games played.
Ingram also looked more comfortable on both ends of the floor as the season wore on and he gained NBA experience. His shot selection improved while he continued to be a factor defensively using his length and instincts, which gave more reason to the Lakers being so high on what he could develop into in the near future.
With a pass-first point guard in Lonzo Ball in place alongside the addition of a proven center in Brook Lopez, it could open up more opportunities for Ingram to be a major factor on both sides of the floor en route to a breakout second season.
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