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Los Angeles Lakers: Team awards for first quarter of season

By Kenneth Teape

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers runs out before the game 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers runs out before the game 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: Team awards for first quarter of season
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 29: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles 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) /

Lakers First Quarter Awards: Most Valuable Player; Brandon Ingram

With the second overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Lakers selected Duke forward, Brandon Ingram. Ingram was dominant for the Blue Devils, receiving comparisons to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant. They both had difficult rookie seasons and so did Ingram.

Ingram struggled to adjust to the NBA. His slight frame was an issue as he lacked the strength to get to his spot to succeed. He struggled throughout his rookie season but picked things up in the second half. He has carried that momentum into his second season.

Ingram has improved in every facet of the game. He put in a ton of work this offseason, adding strength and size. The steps he took are evident offensively. Ingram is attacking the basket more frequently and finishing with better success. He is oozing with confidence offensively and attacks no matter who is defending him.

It has led to an improvement in his numbers. Ingram is averaging 16.0 points per game on 46.3 percent from the field, up from 9.4 and 40.2 as a rookie. He has taken steps to improve his jump shot, as he is up to 30.4 percent from the 3-point line and 68.3 from the foul line after shooting 29.4 percent from deep and 62.1 percent from the charity stripe as a rookie.

Scoring isn’t the only area that Ingram has improved in. His stats have increased across the board, as his rebounding, assists and defensive metrics have all improved in his second season.

Next: Los Angeles Lakers Report Card: First Quarter Grades

That kind of improvement has Ingram in the running for Most Improved Player as well. The Lakers have to be happy with the strides that he has taken. If he can improve his jump shot next, he will be a problem for the rest of the NBA. It is what Durant said following their matchup, as Ingram is beginning to garner some attention around the league.

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