Well before he was ever drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, Lonzo Ball had a major following and constant media coverage. That has intensified since he was drafted by his favorite team, but the attention he is getting is taking the spotlight away from his teammates, namely Brandon Ingram.
Last year’s No. 2 overall draft pick has made huge strides in his second season. He has become a real leader on this team in addition to his improvements on the court. But thanks to all of the attention being paid to Ball, not to mention the unexpected play of Kyle Kuzma, Ingram’s play has gone somewhat under the radar.
In an interview with Deantae Prince of Sports Illustrated, Ingram admitted that Lonzo and the rest of the Ball family has taken the spotlight, but he isn’t worried about it:
“I think they definitely took some of the spotlight off of me,” Ingram said. “But whether I have it—which I know it will come back again—or not, it doesn’t matter. It’s important for me to stay within my team, stay within the organization and the coaches and just worry about us, worry about how we can get better and what we have going on.”
Ingram has never been someone who craves the spotlight and attention. He much prefers to simply go about his business, putting in all of the necessary work to improve and it has shown this season.
Ingram is averaging 16.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in his second season, but has also grown as a leader. He is getting on teammates when they aren’t doing as they should as well as taking responsibility in the media when things go wrong for the Lakers.
The attention Lonzo has gotten is unlike most other top NBA draft picks have received, but should Ingram continue to develop the way he has been, it’s only a matter of time before some of that spotlight comes back his way.
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