Lakers' Ingram trying to pattern game after Durant

The similarities between Los Angles Lakers rookie Brandon Ingram and Golden State's Kevin Durant are glaringly obvious – at least physically. They're are as tall as they are lithe, and both faced scrutiny as No. 2 picks who perhaps weren't capable of bench-pressing like their peers.

The 19-year-old Ingram has long admired and cheered for Durant, and even owns the veteran's rookie card. He sees similarities in their physique and style, but knows he needs to pave his own way.

“I try to compare my game and pattern it after him. But at the end of the day, I want to be Brandon Ingram,” he said. “When I grew up, I always wanted to be just like him. But I think the comparison is beyond my years. The comparison is more when he came into the league.”

Related: Durant - Watching Ingram is like 'looking in the mirror'

Durant has praised Ingram's game and willingness to learn, and the rookie told the OC Register's Mark Medina that KD's words have meant a lot, "coming from a guy that I have looked up to." They'll meet for their first regular-season matchup Friday at Staples Center.

As Medina notes, Ingram is fortunate to have a coach with related experience. Brian Keefe - an L.A. assistant - was the player development coach in Seattle and Oklahoma City, working with Durant when he broke into the league. Keefe has crafted Ingram a daily routine to mirror Durant's, while KD himself said the connection seems like "everything has come full circle."

“That’s ironic,” Ingram added. “Coming in, I didn’t know he worked with (Durant). It’s helped me a lot with his teaching and the routine that he has given me to work on every day.”