Ingram is the Lakers’ New Go-To Guy For Good Reason

By Hayden Chambless

With 7:06 left in the first quarter, Brandon Ingram made a powerful drive to the basket for a layup in the Laker’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This game played on Dec. 1 was Ingram’s highest scoring game this season with 26 points. His performance during this matchup showcased his talent as a shooter and hinted at his future as a vital team leader after teammate Lonzo Ball’s injury.

Ingram currently leads the Los Angeles Lakers in field goals made per game (6), free throws made per game (3.4) and total average points per game (16.2). This season, he has proved why he was the №2 pick in 2016 NBA Draft.

“He’s a competitor. He wants to win all the time,” head coach Luke Walton said about his key player. “It (becoming a superstar player) comes with one, earning the respect of your teammates by the way you prepare and work, and Brandon has that. He 100 percent has that.”

CBSSPORTS.com reporter, Reid Forgrave predicted that Ingram would be the most improved player in the NBA for the 2017–2018 season, “a mini-Kevin Durant.”

He has come close to doubling his average points per game. In the 13 games since Ball went out with an ACL injury, Ingram has stepped up to the position of point guard and has earned a spot as one of the team’s go-to guys.