The Rise of Brandon Ingram as an NBA Star
Brandon Ingram’s journey in the National Basketball Association (NBA) is a narrative of talent, perseverance, and growth. Drafted in 2016 by the Los Angeles Lakers, Ingram’s career received mixed early reviews but has since developed into a story of an emerging star who has made significant strides in his professional journey.
Early Years and NBA Draft
Ingram’s basketball story began in Kinston, North Carolina, a town known for producing NBA talent. His slender frame and silky smooth playing style commanded attention, and he quickly established himself as a top prospect in the nation. Ingram chose to play college basketball at Duke University under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski for the 2015-2016 season, where his performance solidified his position as a top draft prospect.
Entering the 2016 NBA Draft after just one year at Duke, Ingram was seen as a player with immense potential due to his length, shooting ability, and athleticism. The Los Angeles Lakers selected him with their second overall pick, hoping that he would be a cornerstone for the franchise’s future.
Development with the Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in the NBA, were undergoing a transition period when Ingram arrived. Early on, expectations were high, as he was often compared to superstar Kevin Durant due to his physical build and scoring prowess. While his rookie season showed glimpses of star potential, Ingram’s start was considered somewhat slow as he adjusted to the intensity and physicality of professional basketball.
Over the next couple of seasons with the Lakers, Ingram’s development continued unevenly. Flashes of brilliance were occasionally overshadowed by inconsistency, but steady improvement was evident as his scoring improved and his body grew more NBA-ready. By his third season with the team (2018-2019), Ingram had begun to consistently demonstrate why he was regarded so highly in the draft despite an early end to his season due to a health scare with Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT).
Breakthrough in New Orleans
Ingram’s career reached a turning point in July 2019 when he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of a blockbuster deal that brought superstar Anthony Davis to Los Angeles. This change of scenery proved to be what Ingram needed. In New Orleans, Ingram emerged from under the bright lights of LA and benefited from additional opportunities to lead a young team.
Living up to his potential, Ingram experienced a breakout 2019-2020 season where he demonstrated marked improvements in scoring, shooting efficiency, playmaking, and overall presence on the court. He earned his first All-Star selection that year and was awarded the Most Improved Player—a testament to his hard work and adaptation to his new environment.
Continued Excellence and Team Leadership
Beyond individual accolades, Brandon Ingram was increasingly recognized for his leadership qualities over subsequent seasons with the Pelicans. He developed a reputation not only as an elite scorer but also as someone capable of elevating his teammates’ play through his unselfish style and dedication to fostering on-court chemistry.
As Ingram continued refining his game, particularly sharpening his three-point shooting and defensive efforts, he confirmed his standing as one of the premier forwards in the league. His dual role as a scorer and facilitator has been pivotal for New Orleans as they build around their young core, highlighted by Zion Williamson alongside Ingram.
Notes
Image Description An action shot of Brandon Ingram dribbling down the basketball court in his New Orleans Pelicans uniform, looking focused with one arm extended shielding off a defender. The arena is filled with fans showcasing depth of field with enhanced lighting concentrated on the players on the court.
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