First Step

Welcome to First Step, a video series featuring athletes engaging the communities most affected by today’s social issues, from healthcare access and gender equality, to childhood obesity and mental health. Former NBA all-star Jerry Stackhouse travels around the country and meets with athletes to discuss issues that are important to them.


In this episode, Stackhouse returns to Kinston, North Carolina with Los Angeles Lakers Forward Brandon Ingram to discuss the importance of growing up with a mentor. Introduced through family members, Stackhouse and Ingram forged a strong mentor-mentee relationship anchored around basketball, allowing Ingram to make it to the next level. Ingram explains how mentors can serve as a guardian away from home for children and how Stackhouse empowered him to make good decisions for his future. The gym was there for Ingram growing up, so he gives back to ensure it will continue to be there when the next generation needs it the most.

---

---