Los Angeles Lakers: Power ranking the team’s top players after Week 1

1. Brandon Ingram

Since this is a power ranking and is largely based off of the most recent action, I had to go with Brandon Ingram here. It’s partly due to Ball’s struggles from the field against the Wizards. It’s also partly due to the fact that Ingram had a huge game against D.C. and is quietly coming into his own.

On Wednesday night, the Lakers called on Ingram to be the man in the fourth quarter. He responded with a barrage of points that culminated in the game-tying second-chance bucket to send it to overtime.

It seems like every game he’s improving. Ingram is cutting down on the ill-advised shots, using his body better to get into the lane, and making impact plays across the board. Although his averages aren’t going to wow anyone, 15.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game is a good start for a guy who needs to break out in 2017-18.

In the end, though, it’s that deadly fourth-quarter performance from Ingram that lands him atop this week’s power rankings. He’s still got a lot of work to do this season, but he should be well on his way to a ridiculous sophomore campaign if he keeps improving at this pace.

Next: Lakers who already appear expendable in 2017-18

I’ll admit I was skeptical coming into the season, especially after the way Ingram played during the preseason. Through four games, though, I’m feeling much more confident in his ability to be one of the stars of the Lake Show.