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Could Brandon Ingram Replace Kobe Bryant?

By Carter Johnson

Dec 5, 2015; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) drives against Buffalo Bulls forward Blake Hamilton (0) in their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) drives against Buffalo Bulls forward Blake Hamilton (0) in their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aside from Ben Simmons, Duke forward Brandon Ingram might be the Los Angeles Lakers’ best option to take over at the wing when Kobe Bryant retires.

By now, it’s apparent that Ben Simmons is — and will be — the top draft prospect in the 2016 class. However, as of recent, Duke forward Brandon Ingram has been staking his claim to the second spot on that list.

After a rather sluggish start that saw him wither in three straight games against notable programs in Kentucky, VCU and Georgetown, Ingram has come alive over the last nine games. The 6’9″, 190-pound forward is averaging 20.7 points along with eight rebounds a game while showing great marksmanship from behind the arc with 45.8 percent shooting from three.

Ingram’s also had some phenomenal performances, most notably going for 24 points on 67 percent shooting from the field and from three to lead the Blue Devils to a blowout win over the Indiana Hoosiers.

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Ingram’s play as of late has put many fans, critics and NBA front offices on notice — with the Los Angeles Lakers undoubtedly being among them.

It’s no secret that the Lakers will be looking for a player to replace the great Kobe Bryant, who is set to retire at season’s end.

It’s also no secret that outside of Bryant, the Lakers have very little production and depth at the small forward position and lack an immediate replacement for him, with inconsistent gunslinger Nick Young and rookie Anthony Brown being the only other players at that position on the roster.

Outside of Simmons, Ingram seems to be the best candidate to assume that role.

Dec 2, 2015; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) reacts after scoring against the Indiana Hoosiers in their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2015; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) reacts after scoring against the Indiana Hoosiers in their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

With a unique body frame, a sweet shooting stroke and outstanding athleticism, many are drawing premature, although plausible, comparisons between the 19-year-old and superstar Kevin Durant. However, a more appropriate comparison at this point might be journeyman Trevor Ariza, a player at Ingram’s position who is the definition of a three-and-D player.

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    • Ariza is familiar to Lakers fans due to the memorable game-saving steals and clutch shots he had as the starting small forward during the team’s championship season in 2008-09.

    These days, Ariza has earned a reputation as a reliable defender capable of swarming small forwards and disrupting passing lanes (1.8 steals per game this season) and as a three-point threat who can get hot from the arc at any time.

    This is the type of player fans can expect Ingram to be right away should the Lakers get the chance to select him in June.

    The youngster would give the team two things it’s in desperate need of right out of the gate: an efficient three point shooter and a perimeter defender.

    He’s also a great fit — perhaps a better one than Simmons — in the backcourt alongside guards D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson and should thrive playing alongside a player with Russell’s court vision and get easy buckets in transition.

    Granted, both sides have a little work to do for this to happen.

    Ingram has to prove he can do more than just beat up on lesser players and programs and have a strong outing against a decent team, which he’ll get plenty of opportunities to do in ACC play. The Lakers, on the other hand, have to make sure they get a draft pick — meaning theirs has to land in the top three or it gets turned over to the Philadelphia 76ers.

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    If both can do their part, the pick would be an ideal pairing for Ingram and the Lakers.

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