Brandon Ingram just had one of his best games as a professional against the Washington Wizards. The second-year Los Angeles Lakers forward had 19 points on 8-of-16 shooting with 10 rebounds to record his first career double-double.
Lakers coach Luke Walton believes Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr.'s mouth may be partly to thank for Ingram’s impressive play, which helped the Lakers to the big overtime win.
Luke Walton on Ingram/Oubre:"I thought when they starting jawing a little bit, it for whatever reason got Brandon to another level.” #Lakers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) October 26, 2017
Apparently, this phenomenon of Ingram suddenly getting better when he gets into a trash-talking contest with an opponent is nothing new, as Walton explains.
Luke Walton on Brandon Ingram: “I think him & [Kelly] Oubre got into it a little bit…" (1/2)
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) October 26, 2017
Walton on Ingram (2/2): “…which people that covered the Lakers last yr saw when that happens to Brandon, he plays better.” #Lakers
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) October 26, 2017
After some concern about his play in preseason, Brandon Ingram seems to be doing fine thus far. He’s averaging 15.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists through four regular-season games, although he still needs to work more on his efficiency and his consistency.
Ingram looks as if he's a bit more of a calm and laid-back sort of character, which is likely why he still needs that extra bit of fire to help raise his game to another level. However, he’ll need to learn how to consistently generate that sort of intensity even without the help of an opponent if he wants to establish himself as a true force in the league.
Until then, though, opposing players better not engage with the Lakers sophomore in trash talk or they risk having him go off for another big game.
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