Los Angeles Lakers: How Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram compare to other young players

Brandon Ingram:

Offense (There are 69 players who are 21 years old or younger who have played in the NBA this season, but only 39 of those players have played meaningful minutes for their teams. I’m only going to compare Ingram to the other young players who play a minimum of 15 minutes per game):

• Ingram’s averaging 17 points per game, which is 6th among qualified players
• Ingram has a 48.4 field goal percentage, which is 2nd among all perimeter players behind Jaren Jackson Jr.
• Ingram has a 28.6% 3-point field percentage, which is tied for last with Markelle Fultz among all perimeter players
• Ingram has a 106.3 OFFRTG, which is 17th amongst all qualified players
• Brandon Ingram has a 22% usage rate, which is 12th amongst all qualified players

There are three key factors that have driven down Ingram’s advanced offensive stats:

1. During the first 20 games of the season, Ingram forgot how to pass the ball.
2. At the beginning of the year, he hoisted up a gazillion contested mid-range bricks.
3. He’s one of the worst 3-point shooters in the NBA this year.

It was disappointing the way Ingram started the season, but over the last 20 games or so, it’s been very impressive the way Brandon’s offensive game has developed. He’s passing the ball much better and his mid-range game is looking surprisingly clean.

Now all Brandon has to do is get his 3-point percentage up to league average next season and he’ll have no problem becoming a legitimate offensive weapon.

Defense (There are 69 players who are 21 years old or younger who have played in the NBA this season, but only 39 of those players have played meaningful minutes for their teams. I’m only going to compare Ingram to the other young players who play a minimum of 15 minutes per game):

• Ingram has 107.3 DEFRTG, which 12th among all qualified players
• Ingram has a 10.6 DREB percentage, which is 24th among all qualified players
• Ingram has a 41 defensive field goal percentage, which is 4th among all qualified players and 2nd amid all perimeter players behind Tatum
• Brandon averages 11.4 field goals defended, putting him 9th overall and 3rd among perimeter players

Ingram’s DEFRTG is dragged down because he doesn’t block a lot of shots or get enough rebounds for his size. With that said, there isn’t a single player under 21 years’ old who’s better at guarding opposing players one-on-one out on the perimeter.

Brandon is really learning how to use his foot speed and length to bother the opponent’s shots everywhere on the court. Brandon could become the premier perimeter defender in the NBA in a few years.