Recently, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka commented about Brandon Ingram being in an elite category.
Despite some injuries in recent weeks, the Los Angeles Lakers have played some good basketball. Prior to a loss to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, the Lakers were winners of four straight games.
After really struggling with Lonzo Ball out of the lineup, the Lakers have improved defensively, and have looked better on offense without their starting point guard. With Ball out of the lineup, most eyes have been on Brandon Ingram.
Overall, Ingram has had a very good season for the Lakers, but as a second-year player, consistency is still an issue. Some nights, Ingram looks like he can be an All-Star, and other nights he leaves you scratching your head. However, this is to be expected, as he is still learning how to play in the NBA.
Recently, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka talked with Mike Bresnahan of Spectrum Sports about the development of Ingram and what he still has to improve. Here’s what he said to Bresnahan.
"“If you look at young players around the league, there’s only a few, the Giannis-type players, the Wiggins, that can really unfold at the basket like Brandon can. So he’s in an elite category. I think clearly the area he’s going to have to develop next is the knock-down shooting. And if he gets that down, it’s scary. He’s a matchup nightmare because he’s a player that can play multiple positions.”"
In his second season, Ingram has certainly taken a nice step forward for the Lakers. He is currently averaging over 15 points per game, and his shooting percentage is up from last season. Seeing Ingram have higher shooting percentages from two-point range, three-point range, and the free throw line, is certainly encouraging for the Lakers.
While Ingram has improved as a shooter, he looks really good when he is aggressive going to the basket. With that being arguably the best part of his game, he can become a real problem for opposing defenses when he gets his jump shot to be more consistent.
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As the season goes on, watching the continued development on Ingram will be one of the bright spots for Lakers fans to watch. If the first half of the season is any indication, Ingram should be poised for a good second half, as he continues to grow as a player.