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Lakers Season Opener: Five things that will happen vs Clippers

By Keith Rivas

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Lonzo Ball of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrati during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Lonzo Ball of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrati during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

We’ll see if Brandon Ingram is really up for the challenge

Over the summer we also got a sense for how Magic Johnson really feel about Brandon Ingram. It’s not that Johnson views Ingram as more important than Lonzo Ball to the team’s success, but he definitely sees the second year star as a cornerstone.

Prior to everything that unfolded between the Lakers and then-Pacers forward Paul George, Johnson made it clear that Ingram would not be included in the trade talks. Guys like D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, and Julius Randle all found their way into the rumor mill one way or another, but the Lakers ultimately made their decision to wait it out.

As a report from SB Nation points out, Magic Johnson expects Ingram to lead the team in scoring.

Per the report:

"“You take into account Brandon Ingram, he’s gotten better and better. He’s really the guy that we’re going to look to 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."

Without D’Angelo Russell on the team, it’s now up to Ingram to lead the Lakers and put it all together. Lonzo Ball will handle the offensive magic and put together scoring plays and efficient shot opportunities, but Ingram will likely have to be the vocal leader.

The reason the opening game matters to this extent is because it’s a chance for Ingram to outshine Blake Griffin as the leader of his team, and the better leader in Los Angeles.

Ball’s demeanor is the quieter type, so whether Ingram likes it or not, it’s the responsibility that Johnson seems to have to no problem entrusting him with. This team can absolutely be special, even this season, but they won’t go anywhere without good, consistent leadership.

And if Magic Johnson was on to something about D’Angelo Russell, we’ll see a difference from day one.

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