Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram donates school supplies to kids in his hometown

Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram made a kind gesture to his hometown this past weekend, making back to school shopping a breeze for many.

The Los Angeles Lakers have very high expectations going into the 2018-2019 campaign. Given that LeBron James is now a Laker, there will be a lot of extra eyes fixated on the team.

While on the court standards are always going to be there, it is not the most important thing at the end of the day. It is not even that close as hard as that may be for some to believe.

Giving back to others fits the previously echoed description. Certainly, any NBA player (or anyone for that matter) has a job where certain duties must be fulfilled.

Although that is true, there is a bigger “job” that cannot be taken lightly. It is not to belittle professional athletes or other occupations that exist. The game of basketball or, say, filling in that Excel spreadsheet perfectly are simply less crucial in life than helping those who need it most.

James is among the best in the league with respect to assisting others. Of course, though, the word “assisting” means more than the dimes he drops on the hardwood.

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Several weeks ago, LeBron gave back to his hometown of Akron, Ohio in a big way. He opened a public elementary school called the I Promise School. The school will specifically aim to partner with kids that come from difficult circumstances.

Per SB Nation’s Harrison Faigen, another Laker has not forgotten about the importance of education. That man is 6-foot-9 forward, Brandon Ingram. On Sunday, Ingram showed some love to his roots in Kinston, North Carolina.

Via WNCT9 reporter Courtney Allen, Ingram and his kin partnered with multiple retail outlets to provide kids with free backpacks and other school supplies. Allen added that the total number of those who were helped exceeded 750.

Despite Ingram only being 20 years of age, it is wonderful to catch wind of news like this. It demonstrates that BI already understands the bigger picture. Moreover, his deed reveals that he wants to return the favor to the city that got him to where he is today.

Per Allen, the Lakers’ third-year player explained the mindset behind his decision to lend a hand.

"“It’s just like something that came out of my heart, something I wanted to do for my community, the less fortunate, people that don’t have, or even people that do, a chance to give back,” Ingram said."

The fact that Ingram alludes to it being a “heart” driven act unveils a lot about his character. Where one’s heart lies is too critical to ignore, and his clearly resides with where he was born.

Kinston’s mayor took a moment the other day to recognize No. 14 for his contribution to the town (via WNCT9).

"“The chance for these kids to see a real life superstar, but also know that he came from their backyard, that is so important for these kids seeing Brandon and his likeness here,” Kinston mayor BJ Murphy said."

Murphy raised an important point when discussing the tall, lanky ballplayer. Oftentimes, when one reaches stardom, it becomes relatively easy to become self-absorbed. Accordingly, it is refreshing to see that the young L.A. Laker has chosen to take the other route.

There is another reason Ingram’s actions are so significant. Such choices give him the chance to be a beacon of light to the kids he donated supplies to.

According to Faigen (originally via WNCT9’s broadcast), Ingram hopes his example can encourage these same children to remember to give back.

"“Just to see these kids walk through this gym, and fill the shoes that I’ve been in, I think it’s beautiful and that they have a chance to do something even better.”"

It is “beautiful,” indeed. By serving as an example, BI is paving a positive path for those who need all the support they can get.

If an eventual chain reaction comes from that, it only magnifies Ingram’s generous spirit.