Los Angeles Lakers Announce New Role for Brandon Ingram

Former Blue Devil Brandon Ingram will move into the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers after coming off the bench as a rookie this season.

NBA rookie Brandon Ingram has spent the majority of the season coming off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the team recently announced that the former Blue Devils’ role will change and Ingram will move into the starting lineup.

Ingram was selected No. 2 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers after one season at Duke. The Lakers surprisingly decided to bench the former Blue Devil before the season even began despite being impressed with his skills and potential. The team has struggled with an 18-36 record, leading to the coaching staff’s decision to change Ingram’s role. Lakers head coach Luke Walton officially named him a starter in place of former Blue Devil and NBA veteran Luol Deng noting:

“The further we get away from actually having a chance to make the playoffs, then the more you got to really start to put some thought and focus on developing the young guys even more. Right now, obviously that’s a huge part of what the season is about, and as it goes, there’s a chance that you’ll see the minutes from those young, young guys go up even more.”

Brandon Ingram starred at Duke earning All-America and ACC Rookie of the Year honors. He averaged 17.3 points and 6.8 rebounds as a freshman under Coach K. The most recently drafted Blue Devil was also named to the NBA Rising Stars Challenge featuring the most talented young players in the NBA.

Ingram excelled in his first game after being named an official starter, recording 14 points and 7 rebounds on the road against the New York Knicks. He also led the Lakers in playing time last night with 33 minutes logged. Be sure to stay tuned to see how Brandon Ingram performs in his new role for the rest of his rookie season in the NBA.