One of the biggest criticisms that Brandon Ingram faced prior to being selected with the second overall pick in last year's draft was questions about his strength due to his lean body frame.

This is something that he has focused heavily on improving this offseason through workouts ahead of his second campaign. During a recent interview with Mike Trudell of Lakers.com, Ingram discussed the importance of getting his body stronger.

“I think I’ve gotten more explosive. The thing for me is just trying to stay low. With me being at the guard or small forward position, trying to stay low helps me a lot in beating guys. I know I have the length over a lot of guys that guard me, so just trying to stay low. When I get that strength even more, it’ll help me take the hits even better.”

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
NBA news: Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic’s offseason body transformation has Lakers fans hypedJedd Pagaduan ·
Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal stands next to Kobe Bryant with GOAT signs in background
Shaquille O’Neal has no regrets over treatment of Kobe BryantRandall Barnes ·
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Lakers’ Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emergeErik Slater ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James dumps fuel on Brian Windhorst feud with calloutMalik Brown ·

The 20-year-old's continued work on his strength demonstrates the importance of that being a part of his game moving forward. With an NBA season under his belt, he now knows what he needs to do physically to better perform through the duration of an entire year and become a more efficient scorer.

It is no secret that there is a huge weight of expectations set forth by the organization on Ingram becoming a leading force on both ends of the court for the Lakers next season and well beyond that. This includes team president Magic Johnson already voicing that he believes that the former 2016 second overall pick can average more than 20 points a game next season.

In order for him to meet that bar, Ingram has made it clear that improving his strength with play a key piece to all of that.