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Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram’s 2017-2018 overall grade

By James Francuz

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 14: Brandon Ingram
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 14: Brandon Ingram /
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Los Angeles Lakers
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) /

Final Grade for B.I.

After a lackluster rookie season, many were curious if Brandon Ingram deserved to wear the purple and gold. Ingram’s 2017-2018 campaign silenced all haters.

His progression was off the charts. For instance, he sunk nearly 40 percent of his three-point attempts, a vast improvement from last year.

Moreover, he was not afraid to take the bull by the horns and attack the rim. Despite his skinnier body composition, he drove into the paint with fierce aggression constantly. This trait will earn anyone a badge of honor in the league, especially when that recipient is just 20 years old.

Let alone his scoring prowess, other aspects of his game revealed themselves in 2017-2018. For example, he showed that he is an adept passer during Ball’s absence. While this is normally not his top priority, it demonstrates that he is a team player at the end of the day.

Ingram’s game could be improved upon, though. He could hit the glass a little more often to gobble up rebounds and work on developing his mid-range game. If the latter in particular is tweaked, he could be one of the league’s deadliest scores in the years to come.

Expectations wise, it would be nice to see Ingram weigh in at around 210 pounds this fall. Such a scenario would not only make scoring easier, but it would likely lower his chances of getting hurt.

Further, it would also be encouraging to have B.I. develop his communication skills over the summer. No one is asking him to be this way off the court. However, on the court, the Lakers need vocal leaders and B.I. needs to continue to step out of his comfort zone.

It may not be practical to coin Ingram as a potential All-Star in 2018-2019. As was alluded to, his game is by no means perfect.

At the same time, if he continues to put in the time, there is no doubt he could be an All-Star at some point. He was by far among the best Lakers this year and he is just getting started.

Next: 50 Greatest Players In Lakers Franchise History

Final Grade: A-

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