Lakers: Watch Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac’s Intro Press Conference
By Eric Yee
![May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils former guard Brandon Ingram (right) is interviewed by ESPN broadcaster Heather Cox during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils former guard Brandon Ingram (right) is interviewed by ESPN broadcaster Heather Cox during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c00ddec9246ceb69bd344a376dfb379704df576bac9b0061c1fe6c96a4ecf7a1.jpg)
The future of the Los Angeles Lakers has officially arrived in Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers officially introduced rookies, Brandon Ingram and Ivica Zubac to the team where they answered a multitude of questions in a short 20 minute interview.
Immediately after watching, the things that stood out for each player was Ingram’s insistence of being hard working, coachable, aggressive and a vocal leader and Zubac’s desire to prove his doubters wrong.
Zubac: "Nobody's expecting too much from me right now but I want to prove them wrong, prove that I can help the team."
— Mutiple Sources (@ericdyee) July 5, 2016
For Lakers’ fans, this should be a great sign as both will fit into what has become commonplace for LA’s young core, being hard working and playing with a chip on their shoulders.
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When Ingram was asked specifically about his new coach he said that his initial impression is that he “really liked him.”
"For me, I really liked him. My first phone call with him just talked about different things on and off the floor. Just how he wants to push the ball and play a different style when we come to the Lakers."
This seems to mirror the same sentiments that Walton emphasized during his own introductory press conference just a week or so ago. Further, when Ingram was asked if he’s been in contact with any NBA players he said he’s talked extensively with his point guard, D’Angelo Russell and that his mentor is former NBA player, Jerry Stackhouse.
Lesgo pic.twitter.com/WCYd85NOCw
— Mutiple Sources (@ericdyee) July 5, 2016
In regards to his mindset when coming into this season, Ingram revealed
"Just to work hard. I think if i work hard my game shows itself. Just come in here be coachable, be aggressive each and everyday and never miss a day. Never take a day off."
More over,
"Know somebody’s always watching. You have to go hard on the basketball court and always doing the right thing off the court."
Ingram on starting: "It matters to me but if I have to be a reserve I'll be coachable enough to do whatever the coach tells me to do."
— Mutiple Sources (@ericdyee) July 5, 2016
One thing that was surprising, however, was Ingram’s insistence on being a vocal leader, seeing how he was relatively laid back when playing for Duke last season.
"You could do leadership two types of ways: you could do it by example or your voice. And this year, I know two of our great scorers [on Duke]… we didn’t talk at all on the court. That was a big reason why we fell short and I know, just coming into this league you need to be vocal… you need to be vocal in everything you do on the court."
This is huge for the organization seeing how the team doesn’t necessarily have a leader now that Kobe Bryant is gone and Ingram fully understands that.
“I can only do what I do well… I know there’s no other Kobe Bryant so I just have to be coachable.”
Ingram on Kobe's locker: "I like the pressure that's on me right now... Of course, it's going to motivate me to do good things on the court"
— Mutiple Sources (@ericdyee) July 5, 2016
Both players showed maturity, which is impressive when you consider how young they are, especially when compared to other NBA players in similar positions. Ingram specifically stated,
"I know it’s all a process. It’s a different league with players that can do more things, a lot of athletes in this league so I know it’s a process. We have a lot of young guys but we have a lot of young great guys that like to work and that’s driven. So, I know it’s a process coming into this league…"
Zubac when asked if he's jealous of Ingram getting Kobe's locker: "He can have that pressure."
— Mutiple Sources (@ericdyee) July 5, 2016
Overall, the introductory press conference served to reinforce the idea that Zubac and Ingram understand the situation they are coming into and want to work hard everyday to prove their critics wrong and that should excite the organization immensely.
Next: Brandon Ingram Gets Kobe Bryant's Old Locker
You should be able to watch the full press conference here, shortly after its conclusion.