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Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram expanding offensive game

By Kenneth Teape

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 7: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes to the basket against the LA Clippers on July 7, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 7: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes to the basket against the LA Clippers on July 7, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers small forward Brandon Ingram has worked on expanding his offensive game this offseason.

The Los Angeles Lakers still have ways to go before becoming contenders in the Western Conference. However, they should take some steps forward this season. If they are to move forward, their younger players have to begin blossoming. One player that the Lakers have high expectations for is Brandon Ingram.

Ingram is entering his second season in the NBA. The Lakers selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. He drew comparisons to Kevin Durant coming out of Duke based on his frame. If he wants to ever get close to Durant’s level, Ingram has a lot of work to do.

Ingram did not have a great rookie campaign. According to Basketball Reference, Ingram finished with a negative Win Share and well below average Player Efficiency Rating. Those numbers were dragged down by a rough start to his rookie season.

Once the Lakers fully committed to their youth movement, Ingram’s production picked up. Ingram played some backup point guard early in the season, something he had not previously done. That certainly didn’t help his numbers, but when he went back to his natural position of small forward, things picked up.

After the All-Star break, Ingram averaged 13.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. That strong finish helped Ingram land on the All-Rookie Second Team.

The Lakers are hoping he can carry that production over into his second season. If the NBA Summer League is any indication of things, Ingram looks ready to take that next step.

Ingram has been praised for his improved jump shot this season. He has done extensive work this offseason, with all day workouts. Ingram has also revamped his diet to improve his body and production during the 2017-18 season.

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Ingram will be relied upon as a go-to scoring option for the Lakers this season. Becoming a more efficient, well-rounded offensive threat will help Ingram raise his level of production and help the Lakers win more games.

In addition to the shooting improvement and revamped diet, Ingram is looking to improve other aspects of his game as well. Ingram shared what else he is working on with BiPro USA.

"“I’m focused on ball-handling, running off screens, scoring in the mid-post and attacking the rim,” he said. “On the defensive end, I want to get quicker laterally and I’m trying to use my length to block more shots.”"

Standing 6-feet-9 inches tall, Ingram could have a length advantage over some players that try defending him. If the Lakers attempt to use him in the backcourt again, he will be able to put that size to good use.

In the Las Vegas Summer League, Ingram scored in a myriad of ways. The Los Angeles Clippers youngsters really had no answer for him as he poured in 26 points. That would have been a career-high for Ingram, whose highest scoring output in his rookie season was 22 points.

Next: 5 Bold Predictions For Lakers 2017-18 Season

Ingram looks like he has put in a lot of work this season. If it translates to the court come the regular season, the Lakers will undoubtedly improve with the roster also improving around Ingram.

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