Los Angeles Lakers: Checking in on Brandon Ingram’s progress

Defensive potential

Standing at 6’9″ and with a 7’3″ wingspan, Brandon Ingram has the potential to be a paralyzing lockdown defender.

His physical attributes make him a ball hawk with the ability to play the passing lanes and disrupt opposing offenses. Despite this, Ingram is averaging less than one steal per game and is often out of place on the defensive end.

It’s possible that Ingram is a product of his environment. The Lakers have been a putrid defensive team lately and are even worse in the absence of their defensive-minded point guard, Lonzo Ball.

However, this isn’t to make an excuse for Ingram. He is too long and athletic to be averaging less than one steal and one block per game. With a defensive rating of 108.5, Ingram is near the bottom of the pack defensively. While he isn’t horrible, it is disappointing that he hasn’t been better.

One thing that could help him be more of a reliable defender is to gain some weight. His thin, 190-pound frame isn’t enough to stop him from being bullied by bigger opponents. Adding some weight will definitely assist him in becoming a better defender.

Moving forward, Ingram will also have to improve his knowledge of the game. Studying the opponent will allow him to put himself in the correct spots on the floor. This will undoubtedly make him a better player.