NBA: Lakers’ Russell, Ingram plan to reach out to Kobe this off season
The Los Angeles Lakers’ young core of D’Angelo Russell (left) and Brandon Ingram. AP file photo
Former Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant has been known to openly work out with the NBA stars of today. With that said, it’s no surprise if he’ll be willing to lend a hand to the members of the current purple and gold squad.
Among those looking to go under the future Hall of Famer’s tutelage is Lakers’ emerging point guard, D’Angelo Russell.
Much like his teammate Brandon Ingram, the 21-year-old former Ohio State Buckeye said he’ll be enlisting the aid of one of the best players to ever do it.
“I’m going to definitely reach out to him,” the incoming third-year guard said in an appearance for SLAM Magazine. “I just feel like there’s so many guys reaching out to him, tugging his way”.
As the Lakers once again missed out on post-season action, the storied franchise remains optimistic with their current young core. Among those who carry the lofty expectations is last year’s second overall pick Ingram, who’s had a somewhat roller-coaster start to his NBA career,
In an earlier interview with LaTimes, the 19-year-old lanky swingman said he’d also seek guidance from the “Black Mamba” this off season.
“Just saying what I should look for in this organization, how I should be in this organization,” Ingram said. “They definitely thought Kobe should be one of the people I should talk to just about how he felt at 19 years old, 20 years old being in this organization.”
Although the Lakers only managed to win 26 games this season, the team’s young nucleus continues to be a beacon of hope to its devoted fans.
Russell once again showed glimpses of superstardom in his second season, tallying 15.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
Ingram, on the other hand, had a slow start to his rookie year, but slowly gained his footing as the season progressed, and finished with respectable averages of 9.4 points, 2 boards and 2.1 dimes per game. Khristian Ibarrola/JB
RELATED STORY:
NBA: Laker great Magic Johnson would love to mentor D’Angelo Russell
