Los Angeles Lakers forward, Brandon Ingram, recently received some praise from LeBron James that he appreciated.
This offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to make a big splash by signing the best player in the world. The addition of LeBron James instantly makes the Lakers credible, as they should be in the playoff now.
As the best player in the world, the young core has a chance to play and learn from LeBron. Having that is hard to put a price tag on, as players like Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart can pick up on so many of the little things that James does on and off the court that make him great.
Recently, James praised Ingram for his great game against the Sacramento Kings. While Ingram certainly appreciated the praise, he said that it doesn’t give him any extra motivation. Here’s what he had to say via LakersNation.com.
"“It does, but also it makes you want to keep going,” answered Ingram when asked if James’ compliments serve as motivation. “Like I said, my expectations are way higher than anyone’s expectations (for Ingram).”"
Ingram is coming off a great performance against the Kings in the third preseason game. While it is the preseason, Ingram had a fantastic game with 31 points. In addition to the great scoring night for Ingram, he also totaled nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Towards the end of the game, Ingram had a great defensive sequence on an inbounds pass, as he kept deflecting the ball out until eventually stealing it.
With James sitting in the second half, it was the Ingram show in the final 24 minutes. As we get closer to the start of the regular season, the pressure will be on Ingram to be the second option for the Lakers.
After a great sophomore season last year, Ingram will need to take another step forward this coming season. He has certainly shown signs of what he can be last season, and we will just need to see if Ingram can consistently play at a high level.
If Ingram finds consistency this season, there is no telling what he and the Lakers can do this season. The Lakers have three games left in the preseason, and Ingram will look to prove that the game against the Kings was no fluke.