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Los Angeles Lakers: Luke Walton discusses Brandon Ingram maturation

By Kenneth Teape

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 31: Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Brandon Ingram #14 on the bench in the second half of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on January 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Lakers won 120-116. 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. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 31: Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Brandon Ingram #14 on the bench in the second half of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on January 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Lakers won 120-116. 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. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers small forward Brandon Ingram has improved this season and head coach Luke Walton believes his maturation is a big reason why.

Los Angeles Lakers small forward Brandon Ingram struggled in his rookie season. The No. 2 overall pick out of Duke struggled to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NBA compared to life in college.

Ingram’s stats during his rookie year were not great. He picked things up after the All-Star break, which helped him earn a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team. For the season, Ingram averaged 9.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Not great stats, but there were flashes for Ingram.

This offseason Ingram worked hard to improve in a number of areas. He worked on strengthening his body and becoming stronger with weight training. He worked tirelessly to improve his jump shot. His diet was even overhauled in an effort to further improve his body.

The early returns have been solid. Ingram dominated in his only appearance in the Las Vegas Summer League, scoring 26 points in his only game. Ingram struggled in the preseason, but he has gotten things going in the regular season.

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Ingram looks like a totally different player in his second season compared to his first. He looks more confident in his skill set and it is showing in the statistics.

In 19 games this season, Ingram is averaging 14.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. The biggest improvement has come in his efficiency. After making only 40.2 percent of his shots last season, Ingram is up to 45.1 percent this season.

Lakers head coach Luke Walton believes a big reason for the improvement is because of the maturation that Ingram has undergone.

"“He spent the summer getting stronger,” Walton said after shootaround Monday. “He goes to that weight room consistently, I think he’s better understanding what it’s like to take that contact at this level and finish, and where he can use his length and angles to get advantages for himself.”"

Ingram’s mentality offensively has changed as he is attacking the basket and finishing with more consistency. Despite still having a slight frame, the added strength is very helpful around the rim. He is averaging 4.7 free throws per game this season after averaging only 2.7 last season.

Walton believes this is the natural progression for a player that works as hard as Ingram does.

"“It’s just part of the natural process for players that work hard,” Walton explained of the growth. “He’s a very hard worker and he’s just getting more confident and comfortable at this level.”"

Ingram has shown great improvement thus far in his second season. His confidence is improving, especially around the rim, where he has already attempted 101 shots this season in 19 games compared to 191 in 79 games last season.

Next: Brandon Ingram vs Giannis Antetokounmpo Rookie Year Comparison

The next step in Ingram’s progression will be improving his jump shot. The improvement at the rim has improved his efficiency, but his jump shot is still a work in progress. However, if he works as hard in that area as he has in improving his strength, improvement should come in the near future in that area as well.

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