Los Angeles Lakers: 5 players with the most to prove in 2017-18

2. Brandon Ingram, SF

Brandon Ingram may not be the face of the franchise, but he’s still got endless potential waiting to be tapped. The 2016 second overall selection showed glimpses of greatness as a rookie, but needs to take a major step forward during his sophomore season.

Everyone around the league knows what he has to offer. Here’s this quote from Magic regarding Ingram, via the Los Angeles Daily News’ Mark Medina:

"“Anybody that called us wanted him,” Johnson said. “We said, ‘No thank you.’”"

So what will we see from him this upcoming season? Can he take that next step in his development and start to look like the star Los Angeles drafted him to be? That’s obviously the hope, but there’s also plenty of room for disappointment on the Lakers’ end.

That’s why he finds himself at No. 2 on this list. The expectations are sky high for Ingram, especially after Magic made him the team’s only “untouchable” this offseason. The team is pinning their hopes on his elite abilities, which means he must deliver. Anything less than a breakout year will be a bad look for Ingram.

Sorry, Brandon — I don’t mean to tack on too much pressure. Then again, I believe Magic already beat me to the punch. It’s time you show everyone why you were the No. 2 pick a year ago.