The Los Angeles Lakers have a new franchise player in Lonzo Ball, but it’s clear the front office believes they already had a star in the making in Brandon Ingram. Magic Johnson doubled-down on that belief with a very public vote of confidence Thursday afternoon.

Reports indicate the Lakers have been unwilling to include Ingram in any trade discussions. Whether that’s been in negotiations for Paul George with the Indiana Pacers or DeMarcus Cousins with the Sacramento Kings, both Lakers front offices have held on tight to the potential two-way phenom.

Magic spoke with Mike Bresnahan and Chris McGee of Spectrum SportsNet following the introductory press conference for their non-Lonzo Ball rookies, sharing a candid look at his vision for the Lakers. At the heart of it is his hope that Ingram is going to lead the team on both ends of the floor.

“You take into account Brandon Ingram, he’s gotten better and better. He’s really the guy that we’re going to look to to lead us, because offensively and defensively he’s a talent you don’t find too many times.

“He’s long, he’s athletic, he can do a lot of different things. When you think about a face of an organization, along with all the other faces, he’s the one that really stands out,” Johnson said.

This echoes the sentiment reporters have telegraphed about the Lakers’ love for Ingram, and the franchise definitely needs to see that from Ingram.

The potential is clearly there for the taking, and the hope is he uses that massive wingspan to reach out and take it next season.

*Quotes transcribed via Spectrum SportsNet