Walton: Ingram, Deng will battle for SF job
Being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft doesn't guarantee Duke product Brandon Ingram anything when it comes to his new role with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 18-year-old swingman will have every opportunity to thrive under head coach Luke Walton, especially since the Kobe Bryant farewell tour has come and gone. What becomes of his rookie campaign, however, will be entirely up to him, as Walton won't be handing Ingram anything on a silver platter.
Entering his first full year on the job, Walton told Basketball Insiders' Eric Pincus after the unveiling of the Lakers' new practice facility that everyone will have to earn their spot in the rotation, including Ingram.
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While it seems like a forgone conclusion that Ingram will start at small forward, veteran Luol Deng - who signed a four-year, $72-million contract this offseason - may prevent that from happening out of the gate. Based on those financials, the Lakers clearly have plans to play Deng big minutes.
The young nucleus of Ingram, D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, and Julius Randle are the future of the franchise, and should be the primary focus as Los Angeles enters a rebuilding period. Deng's veteran presence will pay dividends, though, on a roster with eight players 24 and younger. Still, Walton would be wise to focus more attention on developing Ingram - something former coach Byron Scott would have hesitated to do.
In his one and only season with the Blue Devils, Ingram averaged 17.3 points on 44.2 percent shooting, along with 6.8 rebounds, two assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 34.6 minutes. He was named the ACC Rookie of the Year and to the All-ACC second team.
Deng, on the other hand, put up 12.3 points and six rebounds in 73 starts last year for the Miami Heat.