Los Angeles Lakers: 2017-18 player grades for Brandon Ingram

Strengths

Outside of the basic improvements from the previous page, two other statistical increases highlight how Brandon Ingram is starting to figure out how he can be most effective in the NBA. Ingram’s 11.1 2-point attempts and 4.8 free throw attempts per game show that in a league of pace and space, getting to the rim and challenging defenders is still a strong way to succeed, especially with Ingram being best when attacking the rim.

Ingram played plenty of point guard this season and had a lot more space to operate. He’s an improving ball-handler, but still had little problem getting into the paint. His 3-point shot (39.0 percent on 1.8 attempts) and free throw percentage (68.1 percent) have plenty of room for growth, but being an effective scorer and creator without the shot bodes well for his prospects moving forward.

Outside of becoming a more efficient scorer with increased responsibility, Ingram continues to show signs of greatness defensively. He can guard 1-4 and competes like hell when playing on the ball. His length is a problem for guards and could help him develop into a rim protector for the Lakers.

His two-way play still leaves room left for improvement, but all of his potential was on display this season, and he arguably made the greatest strides of any Laker this season.