Adjusting to the NBA can be a strenuous process for college players, even the best of them, and it won’t be any easier for the Lakers 2nd overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, Brandon Ingram, who will have a long road before he becomes the player expect him to be.
Not only will he have the normal rookie battles of adjusting to the travelling and amount of games, but the 190 pound small forward will have to gain weight and strength in order to battle with the bigger forwards in the league. His Kevin Durant-esque length makes him a talent to watch, but he will have to begin to improve on both ends of the floor, including defensively, where the biggest adjustment will come. Ingram, who has already stated he wants to be a leader for this Lakers team, is already looking for ways to improve his defense. He’s texting Warriors 6th man, Andre Iguodala. Ingram joined The Herd with Colin Cowherd, and he talked about his upcoming rookie season in Los Angeles:
“Well, the NBA veterans that I’ve been around, they always try to help. Even guys from other teams. When I played with the USA Select Team, all those guys were giving me advice. Even guys playing pickup coming to the Lakers facility. (Including) Andre Iguodala….
“I watch a lot of his play defensively. He’s a great defensive guy. I even text with him sometimes, and he just tells me it’s going to be a process, but I have a chance to be special on the defensive end and offensive end.”
Ingram has obviously already got off to a good start with his NBA career. He’s getting advice from a former Finals MVP. Playing for the USA select team would have given his invaluable experience and some friendships that will help him grow into the leader he wants to be. With a Lakers team without Kobe Bryant, the focus has been to create a new way to win. Ingram can bring that.
