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2017 NBA Rookie Ladder: Is Brandon Ingram A Future Star?

By Nathan Grubel

Nov 29, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Brown (21) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Brown (21) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Brown (21) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Brown (21) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Brandon Ingram, Los Angeles Lakers

Is Brandon Ingram a future star for the Los Angeles Lakers?

Well he certainly has the talent level as a scorer. He showed in college he can knock down shots from all over the floor, as well as draw contact inside to get to the free throw line.

His shooting slash line of .356/.286/.755 doesn’t do much for those looking for offensive dominance from him. Opportunities are there for him to hit shots, some just don’t go in. What he has done well is defend his position and handle the ball at times in a point forward-like role.

Luke Walton is asking him to do different things this year to evolve his game. Making Ingram a well-rounded contributor across the board is a priority for Walton, as he’s trying to bring the Golden State Warriors model of success to Los Angeles.

That blueprint revolves around long, versatile athletes who can shoot and pass to keep the ball moving on offense.

The Lakers have certainly played at a faster pace this season (fourth in pace at 99.7), so his effect on the team isn’t a mirage.

Teaching Ingram how to move the ball and choose his spots more carefully is key to this system. D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle are doing those things effectively, so Ingram is the next to contribute in other areas other than scoring.

What Walton has asked him to do, he’s done. Those things don’t necessarily show up in the box score, but they matter. When Ingram is in the game, the ball keeps moving.

The main problem is with the defense, as the Lakers are one of the worst defensive teams in the league (26th in defensive rating at 109.8). While he does a good job of guarding his own man, his help instincts aren’t where they should be.

Without a dominant rim protector, the Lakers need to switch and remain active in man-to-man. Ingram gets lost at times switching off screens and helping his teammates.

But he hustles and plays with effort, so those things should come in time. He’s a smart player who has developed rather quickly since his college days at Duke.

His length, shooting touch and athletic abilities will carry him for years to come.

As long as he continues to work on the defensive end, he’ll reach his ceiling as a star player.