Los Angeles Lakers: Mid-season grades for each player
Brandon Ingram
Last season, Brandon Ingram’s play left much to be desired, as the forward out of Duke often looked lost on the NBA court. While his play was often underwhelming, it was clear that this player had star potential, he just needed time to live up to said potential.
Well this season, Ingram is beginning to live up to the lofty expectations that come with being the second overall pick in Los Angeles. His offensive game has developed nicely, most notably by his addition of a great pull up mid-range shot.
This season Ingram is averaging 16.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 46% from the field and 36% from three, all of which are substantial improvements from his rookie year (9.4, 4.0, 2.1, 40%, and 29%).
Aside from his improved numbers, Ingram has shown signs that he is closer to the all-star scorer he has the potential to be, than to the timid rookie he was last year. The most notable of these signs being when he scored his career high, 32 points, against the Golden State Warriors. This duel with the best team in the world gave fans a glimpse at what to expect from Ingram on a regular basis in the coming years.
Grade: B+
Julius Randle
Aside from that of Kyle Kuzma, Julius Randle’s play has been the most surprising of anyone else on the team. While it is bittersweet to see, as it is almost a sure thing that he will be traded at some point this season, Randle has taken his offensive game to another level this season.
Even though he is playing six less minutes per game, he is averaging the same amount of points, while also raising his field goal percentage from 48% to 55%. He has been an absolute terror off of the bench for most of the season, playing so well that he has now been put into the starting lineup.
While Randle’s game is very one dimensional, with it simply being bullying whoever is front of him in the paint, he is so good at it that he provides great value, especially coming off the bench. While it will be sad to see him go, whatever team trades for Randle will receive a great addition to their team.
Grade: B+