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Los Angeles Lakers: Magic Johnson looking to Brandon Ingram for leadership

By Asha Doucet

LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 15: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during their preseason game at T-Mobile Arena on October 15, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 15: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during their preseason game at T-Mobile Arena on October 15, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Magic Johnson isn’t shy about putting pressure on his young Los Angeles Lakers. This time it’s Brandon Ingram who has to meet the high expectations of Johnson and the Lakers as he is not expected to be a leader.

After calling the Los Angeles Lakers second overall pick, Lonzo Ball, the ‘face of the franchise’, Magic Johnson also made a point to praise recently named All-Rookie Second Team player Brandon Ingram.

Ingram, uniformly regarded as the Lakers’ only untouchable player since the end of last season, has the most upside of anyone on L.A.’s roster outside of Ball. Last year he progressed steadily, became more aggressive and became a consistent scorer reaching double digits in 16 of his last 17 games.

In an interview with Spectrum SportsNet, Johnson applauded Ingram’s growth.  

"“You take into account Brandon Ingram, he’s gotten better and better. He’s really the guy that we’re going to look to lead us, because offensively and defensively he’s a talent you don’t find too many times. He’s long, he’s athletic, he can do a lot of different things. When you think about a face of an organization, along with all the other faces, he’s the one that really stands out,” Johnson said."

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Johnson has got to be pleased with Ingram’s offseason work ethic. Ingram has consistently been in the gym working on his game and by many accounts looks very good.

It’s Magic’s and the Lakers’ hope that Ingram’s hard work pays off come next season. He’s expected to take a leap not just into a leadership role for L.A. but become a star in the NBA. Summer League in Las Vegas will be the first chance to witness Ingram’s progress and some of those leadership skills Johnson is raving about.

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Ingram has all the tools to ‘stand out’ and now just needs to execute. But with a wingspan of 7’3” and superior athleticism he should have no problem doing just that.

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