Brandon Ingram had an impressive conclusion to a rookie year that showed off all of the potential the Lakers so looked forward to seeing come out when they took him with the No. 2 overall pick in June.
He made a significant and obvious leap after the All-Star break, his increased aggression and confidence helping him average 13.2 points, 3.9 boards, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.5 blocks on 47.5 percent shooting in 32.1 minutes per game.
Prior to the break, he scored 8.0 points per game on 36.3 percent from the field, before really starting to assert himself as the starting small forward. He grew stronger on both ends of the floor, showcasing a versatile game that put him in every position but center, including backup point guard and even power forward in certain matchups.
Below is a summary of his exit interview:
- When asked what he learned being matched up against the best wing players in the league – LeBron, Durant, Kawhi, George, etc. – Ingram said: “Their mind set. They’re going to attack you every chance they get.” Ingram may have been affording opponents “too much respect” early in the season, but soon enough realized that he could play with those players, and started to attack much more directly. His play reflected that increased aggression directly.
- Ingram noted that the biggest difference between college and NBA hoops was “smarter basketball” in the pros, in addition to the faster pace caused in part by the 24-second shot clock, plus the better athletes.
- Ingram implied Rob Pelinka, Magic Johnson and Luke Walton were thrilled with his work rate throughout the season. He put the time in, and they were watching.
- Ingram shared that Magic and Pelinka suggested he work with Kobe Bryant in the offseason. Bryant had actually reached out to Ingram earlier this year over text, and Ingram didn’t even believe it was him. He assumed it couldn’t have been THAT Kobe that texted him. But when told that it was indeed Bryant, Ingram was excited, and texted him back. Looks like they’ll be doing some work together this summer…
- Ingram loved playing for Luke Walton, a consistent theme in exit interviews. “He’s the ultimate player’s coach. He lets you play loose. He has the utmost confidence in you. He challenges you.”
- Ingram played PG, SG, SF and PF this season. He was asked where he thinks he can make the biggest impact, and while that may be on the wing as a two-way player, said that he envisioned playing multiple roles moving forward. He doesn’t want to put a limit on it.
- Ingram may have actually grown a bit from his 6’9’’ listing last summer, but he hasn’t gotten officially measured.