Lakers rumors: Who’s the best member of young core?
By Keith Rivas
The most recent addition to the young core is former Duke star Brandon Ingram.
At just 19 years old, Ingram is arguably more the face of the franchise than anyone else right now. Actively speaking, if D’Angelo Russell can stay healthy long term and not lose his game, that argument changes.
But not completely.
Ingram averages 7.9 points and two assists per game right now, which isn’t terrible for a rookie.
Finding his groove is crucial for this team to ever compete in the post-season.
He’s had some games where he can’t miss, but just as many, if not more, games where he’s been less of a factor.
What’s unique about Ingram’s situation is whether or not he’ll stand out in times where D’Angelo Russell is either nursing an injury or taking a back seat.
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The idea of adding another top three draft pick to the Lakers is a possibility, but if they fall to even fourth-worst, the pick will go to Philadelphia.
Tanking with this kind of young talent shouldn’t be their mentality until it becomes blatantly clear that they don’t have a chance at cracking the eighth seed in the Western Conference.
Ingram’s biggest setback is physical growth to excel at his position. With his current frame, he can still body other players, but going into those match ups with an edge is what the Lakers should want.
That’ll come with time, and aside from that, there aren’t many red flags for a rookie coming off the bench for now.