The Los Angeles Lakers have selected Brandon Ingram with the second overall pick in the NBA Draft. The selection came after the 76ers drafted Ben Simmons with the number one pick.
Ingram was reported to be the pick on Wednesday after Simmons’ eventual destination was made all but official.
The 6’9″ small forward seems like a perfect fit for the Lakers. His shooting ability paired with a monstrous 7’3″ wingspan bodes well for his future as a potential two-way star. The Lakers needed shooting on the offensive end and defensive chops anywhere after a 17-win season, so Ingram looks to be a great selection there.
Ingram had the following to say after receiving his Purple and Gold cap:
Brandon Ingram tells Lisa Salters on @ESPN, he’s hoping to bring “leadership" & “professional” and of course, scoring, to the LA Lakers
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) June 23, 2016
Ingram on @NBATV said he wants to impact the game: “My standard for myself is higher than anybody else’s.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) June 23, 2016
Ingram: “I grew up being a Kobe fan … I have a Lakers jersey back home. I’m going to work as hard as I can to be the best player I can.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) June 24, 2016
The Lakers still have a long road to go down in order to be back in contention. The team has set the franchise low in wins in three straight seasons with last year’s performance being a miserable one on and off the court.
Brandon Ingram will not be a savior right away. But he adds to an already great young core with plenty of talent. With a new head coach in Luke Walton and development from young players like D’Angelo Russell, things are looking up for the Lakers.
Ingram can only add to the excitement.
