National Football League

Kobe Bryant gives his scouting report on Brandon Ingram and D'Angelo Russell

Published Aug. 16, 2016 7:52 p.m. ET

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Kobe Bryant's playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers might be over, but that doesn't mean the Black Mamba isn't closely following the only team he played for during his 20-year career.

The recently retired Lakers icon caught a glimpse of the team's No. 2-overall pick Brandon Ingram, and he is impressed by what he's seen so far.

"I think he plays with great tempo, great pace," Bryant told Time Warner Cable SportsNet. "I like his length. His ball-handling ability is very good. He can get to spots on the floor."

But it's not just Ingram's offensive ability that caught Kobe's eye.

"I think defensively he has the potential to be fantastic as well," Bryant added. "He has long arms, long legs. So hopefully he starts really paying attention to that as much as the things he can do offensively."

The 18-year-old Ingram, who is working hard to add bulk to his 190-pound frame, showed some flashes of ability on both ends in summer league. But he is still a work in progress.

D'Angelo Russell, on the other hand, was one of the summer league's best players, and Kobe has already seen some growth in Russell's game since the regular season ended.

"There's certain things he's really picked up on," Bryant said. "Body positioning, using his size to be able to get to places. Recognizing defensive packages and where to position guys on the floor. He's developed very nicely over the summer."

All of this is music to Lakers fans' ears. Now Ingram and Russell have to prove that Bryant's assessment isn't off base.

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