Lakers' Brandon Ingram: Will open season in bench role

Lakers coach Luke Walton said in a recent interview that Ingram would open his rookie season in a bench role, Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News reports. "We're not going to throw [Ingram] into the starting lineup right away," Walton said. "We're not going to play him 40 minutes a night. It's going to be a gradual process."

Analysis:

A highly skilled player with a massive wing span, strong work ethic and outside shooting ability, Ingram is expected to serve as a cornerstone of the Lakers' rebuilding effort, but the team will have the luxury of easing the rookie into his professional career. The team signed veteran Luol Deng in free agency this summer, and he'll presumably fill the void in the starting lineup at small forward left by the retirement of Kobe Bryant. Ingram is in line to serve as Deng's top backup, and could also see minutes at shooting guard behind projected starter Jordan Clarkson. The presence of Deng and Clarkson means a pathway to more than 25 minutes per game may be difficult for Ingram, but he still remains a prime asset in dynasty formats. If he adds some more strength to his willowy frame, Ingram could make tremendous strides throughout the season and take a massive leap in his second season.