LeBron James: Lakers star picks out ONE team-mate as 'special talent' after Kings win
LEBRON JAMES secured his first victory with the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night and the three-time NBA champion had special praise for one player after the match.
Lebron James praises Brandon Ingram after LA Lakers win
The 33-year-old helped the Lakers win 128-123 against the Sacramento Kings, registering their first win of pre-season, and after the game James praised Brandon Ingram for his performance.
"I thought he was great," James said.
"His pace, his ability to play the point and play the wing, he's a very special talent, and we're definitely happy to have him on our side."
Ingram found himself as staring point guard after Lonzo Ball and Rajon Rondo were rested and the 21-year-old took put in a great performance to help the Lakers take their pre-season record to 1-2.
Brandon Ingram's pace, his ability to play the point and play the wing, he's a very special talent, and we're definitely happy to have him on our side
Ingram led the Lakers in points, shooting 31, while all recording nine rebounds and three steals.
James previously admitted he is trying to help Ingram develop his game and push him to reach the next level in the NBA.
"I know what I see in him, and he's looking for this opportunity to make this next jump in his third year,” James said.
"So, it's a lot of upside in that kid, and I'm happy to try to give him as much as I can.
“He's a great kid. He works hard -- extremely hard -- and he has a lot of talent. And he believes in his ability, so we'll see what the next jump is, but, I mean, none of us are prophets. We don't know."
Ingram, who has his locker next to James’ stall at the Staples Center, revealed the support he receives from the fourteen-time NBA All-Star inspires him to train harder.
"I don't think I want to stop here,” Ingram said.
“My expectations are way higher than anyone's expectations in this room or anybody, so for him to say that is an extreme compliment, because, of course, he's my teammate, and I've got to have his back at all times."
James put up 18 points and four assists in 16 minutes on the court against the Kings but Lakers coach Luke Walton still wants to see his team improve.
"We've got to get better," Walton said after the game.
"Three things we talked about before games: screening, we talked about not turning the ball over and not fouling. And -- we were not good at any of those tonight.
“We have to get a lot better in this next week or however long we've got left until the start of the season."
The Lakers had 18 turnovers, which led to 32 points for the Kings and 25 fouls that led to 28 foul shots.
The Lakers opening NBA game is against the Portland Trail Blazers in two weeks' time and they only have three pre-season games left to address their weaknesses.