Lakers: Better Rookie Season, D’Angelo Russell or Brandon Ingram?
By Eric Yee
Anthony Yassa, Staff Writer
First off, I think it’s important to point out that D’Angelo Russell’s rookie season has been fairly underrated. While he struggled to create assists on a consistent basis, much of that can be attributed to an extremely shaky group of shooters and finishers.
The rest of his game was quite promising, as he showed the ability to score in multiple ways and demonstrated the potential to be a solid defender on the perimeter. That being said, the difference here will come down to coaching.
While Russell ultimately had a solid rookie season, he was hampered by uneven playing time, an outdated system, and poor leadership from the coaching staff. Ingram, on the other hand, will have the benefit of playing under a head coach with an entirely different outlook.
The system the Lakers will run this season will allow Ingram to get more open shots and transition opportunities than Russell got last season. More so, I believe Luke Walton will allow Ingram’s play to dictate his role on the team, rather than catering to politics and favoritism as Byron Scott did so often last season.
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In addition to the system he will play in, Ingram’s physical tools give him an advantage as well. With a unique combination of length and athleticism, Ingram will have a safety net that a player like Russell simply doesn’t have. While both players are highly reliant on skill and shooting prowess, Ingram has the luxury of leaning on his athleticism when his shot isn’t falling.
Even on an off night he will be able to produce the kind of steals, blocks, and dunks that sway public opinion in a young player’s favor. For these reasons, I think Brandon Ingram’s rookie season will be viewed in a considerably more positive light than was Russell’s.
Next: Advith Sarikonda, Staff Writer