Lakers: Brandon Ingram Could Be the Perfect Fit For Luke Walton
With Byron Scott out in LA and Golden State alum Luke Walton in, the Lakers are expected to run a very different system than they have for the past few years
In addition to getting a new coach, the Lakers are also expecting another important arrival by way of the second overall pick in the draft. While they may be able to land a marquee free agent this off season, the only player they will be guaranteed to acquire will be their draft pick. Although the Philadelphia 76ers will have the chance to choose first in the draft, it seems likely that the player the Lakers ultimately receive will be Duke product, Brandon Ingram.
For Luke Walton and the Lakers, this may be the best-case scenario, as Ingram has the potential to be a perfect fit in the system he will attempt to run. In order to implement a system similar to the one the Golden State Warriors have used so successfully, Walton will need plenty of shooters, and Ingram has the ability to be special in that regard.
As a 41 percent three point shooter in college, Ingram showed the ability to stretch the floor both off the catch and with the ball in his hands. Pairing Ingram with fellow sharpshooter D’Angelo Russell and improved shooter Jordan Clarkson, could cause serious problems for opposing defenses.
Pairing Ingram with fellow sharpshooter D’Angelo Russell could cause serious problems for opposing defenses.
Ingram will also have no trouble fitting into the ball-movement heavy offense that the Lakers will likely be learning this season. Although he proved to be a capable isolation scorer, Ingram was a willing passer throughout his time at Duke, and deferred to his teammates when the situation called for it.
These skills became especially evident in the pick and roll, where he showed the ability to be dynamic as both the ball-handler and the screener. With the ball in his hands Ingram demonstrated the ability to pull up and shoot off the screen, or use his tremendous length to make a pass over the top of the defense. When he was called on to be the screener, Ingram was lethal both rolling and popping out to beyond the arc.
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With the pick and roll playing an integral roll in the system Walton will implement, these skills will be put to good use in Los Angeles. Ingram will also be given the opportunity to hone his skills as a playmaker, which will ultimately help him round out his offensive game.
Additionally, he would help the Lakers to score more effectively in transition. When Walton’s system has been discussed, something that is always mentioned is that the team will try to play at a much faster pace.
With an uptempo squad, Ingram will be given the opportunity to use his length and athleticism to finish at the rim in transition similar to what Kevin Durant does for the Oklahoma City Thunder. While there has been some concerns over Ingram’s explosiveness, this video should put those questions to rest.
The nearly 6-foot-10 wing also flashed impressive potential on the defensive end of the court. Averaging more than a block throughout the season, Ingram used his length to alter opponent’s shots on a multitude of occasions. If he continues to work on that aspect of his game, he possesses the tools to develop into an imposing, multi-positional stopper similar to Jimmy Butler or Kawhi Leonard.
Brandon Ingram brings an intriguing combination of polished offensive skills, impressive athleticism, and a rare physical profile. When placed into Luke Walton‘s system, and given the opportunity to grow in a system which fits his strengths, Ingram has the potential to thrive.
Next: Lakers Offseason: Is Julius Randle Expendable?
If the Lakers select Brandon Ingram in this year’s draft, he may could well become the most crucial piece of their rebuild.