Last night in the triple digit heat of Las Vegas, the Los Angeles Lakers debuted their #2 overall pick Brandon Ingram in the annual Las Vegas NBA Summer League.  It was a matchup between the Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans, who feature their own highly touted rookie in Buddy Hield, who was last season’s NCAA Player of the Year.

While Buddy had a rough shooting night in his debut, Brandon Ingram, a.k.a. Silky Slim did not disappoint.  Ingram was 5 of 9 from the field with 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks and an assist.  But aside from the stat line, what was more impressive is that he did not force the action and try to do too much.  He did everything within the flow of the game and showed what Lakers brass saw when deciding to make him the #2 overall pick in this year’s draft.

Even though it’s only summer league, it’s good to see the young talent.  The teams are primarily made up of drafted and undrafted rookies, 2nd year players and, guys trying to move up from the D-League.  The Lakers young guys, D’Angelo Russell, Larry Nance, Jr., and 2nd round pick Ivica Zubac, were very impressive last night.  Is it a sign of good things to come?  Only time will tell.

With the Lakers having struggled mightily over the last 3 seasons, there’s a lot on young Ingram’s shoulders.  Kobe is gone, no high profile free agents are interested in coming to a franchise that has had no clear direction over the last 3 years, and there’s a brand new coaching staff that’s going to try and bring the winning attitude back to this once proud franchise.

Obviously the kid’s gonna need to bulk up and get stronger so that he doesn’t wear down over the 82-game season.  Seems like we said the same thing about a young cat out of the University of Texas 9 years ago, who would go on to become a league MVP and one of the 5 best players in the league today.  That guy of course is none other than Kevin Durant.

If last night is any indication I think Ingram, a.k.a. Silky Slim, is up to the challenge.  And there’s a nation of Laker fans that are hoping and praying the same.