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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 positive takeaways from first quarter of season

By Kenneth Teape

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 22: The Los Angeles Lakers stand with locked arms during the National Anthem prior to the start of their NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 22, 2017 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 22: The Los Angeles Lakers stand with locked arms during the National Anthem prior to the start of their NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 22, 2017 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers starting small forward Brandon Ingram turned heads during an impressive performance against the rival Golden State Warriors.
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 29: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors on November 29, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Brandon Ingram‘s Growth

If the Lakers were going to take a step forward this season they would need some players to take steps forward. Randle and Clarkson have done that off the bench. In the starting lineup, Brandon Ingram was going to be relied upon to take a step forward to help carry the offensive load.

Judging from his rookie season, that was asking a lot. Ingram struggled for a majority of his first season in the NBA. He didn’t play with any confidence and his slight frame worked against him. As a result, Ingram worked hard this offseason and it is paying off.

Ingram looks like a totally different player. He is oozing with confidence and it shows offensively. He worked hard to add strength during the offseason and his offensive game reflects that. Check out the numbers on this tweet about Ingram attacking the basket.

The added strength is allowing Ingram to attack the basket and find more success when doing so. That kind of aggressiveness has helped Ingram average 15.7 points per game this season, a big jump from the 9.4 as a rookie. What has also helped is the improved efficiency, as Ingram is shooting better from the field, 3-point line and foul line.

Ingram’s numbers have improved across the board. He has already recorded three double-doubles this season after having none as a rookie. He has set his career high for points, rebounds and rebounds, also matching his career high in assists.

Ingram has been great thus far to start the season. If he improves in the second half of his sophomore season as he did as a rookie, the rest of the NBA will have a problem on their hands.

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