4. Finally Brandon Ingram…
"There was a big question that came to my mind when the Clippers blew the Lakers out about Brandon Ingram… Is the difference of production based on having the ball in his hands more to get his rhythm? Ingram scored 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting. He looked disjointed, as the free-flowing offense that was evident against the Kings did not travel to Anaheim on the team plane. Boy, it had better be in Sin City."
Aftermath…The first half!
Brandon Ingram was terrible. He fumbled passes, missed shots, he even had a Rondo pass hit him in the face. I kept asking myself…what is this dude doing? This is something that the Lakers have about a week to figure out. When James and Rondo are on the floor, Ingram’s flow is off. He wasn’t aggressive and looked as disjointed as he did in the Clippers game. He went 2-8 in the first half.
But then there’s the second half…
"The Lakers need him tonight to show the aggressiveness that has everyone excited. Ten shots are ridiculous. With his talent, he should have ten shots by the time the National Anthem is over. Can he find his way into an offensive rhythm now that Lonzo Ball represents another ball handler that cuts down on his touches? As a young player, it does affect Ingram."
Aftermath…The second half!
Thorough domination! In the third quarter, Brandon Ingram came out and destroyed the Warriors defense. He got them in foul trouble early and got the Lakers in the penalty. I mean he spent half the third quarter at the free throw line! Plus he hit his free throws. The aggressiveness that was absent in the first half got to Sin City in the second half. Ingram had 17 free throws in the game, knocking down 15. That is a staggering stat, especially with someone his size.
It bears repeating, Rajon Rondo, LeBron James, Luke Walton and Ingram are going to have to get together and find ways to get BI engaged in the game earlier. Ingram scored 26 to lead everyone in the building but it continues a trend that has played out the entire preseason. Flashes of greatness along with a disappearing act. The Lakers need more consistency.
Finally we here at Lake Show Life would like to congratulate Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who was honored at halftime with a key to the city. Congratulations sir! You deserve that and a lot more!
The Los Angeles Lakers have started their long journey through the NBA season. Lake Show Life will be there every step of the way. Continue to check in for Lakers news, previews and reviews.