Brandon Ingram

{{Infobox basketball biography

| name = Brandon Ingram

| image = Brandon Ingram 2020 (cropped2).jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Ingram with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2020

| position = Small forward

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 8

| weight_lb = 190

| league = NBA

| team = Toronto Raptors

| number = 3

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1997|9|2}}

| birth_place = Kinston, North Carolina, U.S.

| high_school = Kinston
(Kinston, North Carolina)

| college = Duke (2015–2016)

| draft_year = 2016

| draft_round = 1

| draft_pick = 2

| draft_team = Los Angeles Lakers

| career_start = 2016

| years1 = {{nbay|2016|start}}–{{nbay|2018|end}}

| team1 = Los Angeles Lakers

| years2 = {{nbay|2019|start}}–{{nbay|2024|end}}

| team2 = New Orleans Pelicans

| years3 = {{nbay|2024|end}}–present

| team3 = Toronto Raptors

| highlights = * NBA All-Star ({{nasg|2020}})

NBA Most Improved Player ({{nbay|2019|end}})
NBA All-Rookie Second Team ({{nbay|2016|end}})
AP Honorable Mention All-American (2016)
Second-team All-ACC (2016)
ACC Rookie of the Year (2016)
McDonald's All-American (2015)
First-team Parade All-American (2015)
North Carolina Mr. Basketball (2015)

| bbr = ingrabr01

}}

Brandon Xavier Ingram (born September 2, 1997) is an American professional basketball player for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the second overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans and became a first-time NBA All-Star and was named the NBA Most Improved Player in 2020 during his first season with the Pelicans.

Ingram had a successful high school career in North Carolina, where he won state titles each of his four years of high school and was named North Carolina's Mr. Basketball. He played one season of college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils, where he was named Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year. After the season, Ingram decided to forgo his remaining college eligibility and declared for the NBA draft. He played three seasons with the Lakers before being traded to New Orleans in 2019 in a package for All-Star Anthony Davis.

Early life

Ingram was born on September 2, 1997, in Kinston, North Carolina. He is the son of Donald and Joann Ingram. He has two half-siblings, an older brother, Donovan, and an older sister, Brittany.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/dukes-brandon-ingram-is-rare-case-of-a-quiet-creative-superstar/|title=Duke's Brandon Ingram is rare case of a quiet, creative superstar|last=Norlander|first=Matt|work=CBS Sports|date=March 16, 2016|access-date=November 8, 2016}} He shares a father with Donovan and a mother with Brittany. Ingram's father started his career as a police officer and a manager of a local gym, but he is now full-time at a welding plant, where he makes forklifts.{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/brandon-ingrams-rise-brought-batch-duke-fans/story?id=37911856|title=Brandon Ingram's rise has brought a whole new batch of Duke fans|work=ABC News|last=McGee|first=Ryan|date=March 24, 2016|access-date=July 3, 2016}} Before that, Donald was a would-be hoops star, pushing his way through the semi-pro leagues. When he moved back home to Kinston, his father started playing pickup games with a young Jerry Stackhouse, who was looking to play locally against older and more experienced players to help him elevate his game. Stackhouse, an ex-NBA star and Kinston native, forged a friendship with Ingram's father on the court.

While Ingram grew up in a one-story house on Highland Avenue in Kinston, his brother Donovan grew up in a different house but would spend weekends with Brandon, teaching him basketball. Kinston had an extremely high crime rate, but Ingram kept his focus on basketball.{{Cite web|url=http://heavy.com/sports/2016/06/brandon-ingram-family-parents-mom-dad-sister-brother-photos-pics-from-who/|title=Brandon Ingram's Family: The Pictures You Need to See|last=Adams|first=Jonathan |publisher=Heavy|date=June 23, 2016|access-date=November 8, 2016}} Before Ingram was a teenager, his brother allowed him to play with him and his older friends. He described this experience as "the best thing that ever happened to my game". His brother, known as Bo,{{Cite news|url=http://www.utamavs.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/ingram_bo00.html|title=Bo Ingram Bio :: UTAMavs.com :: The Official Site of UT Arlington Mavericks Men's Basketball|access-date=March 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309065236/http://www.utamavs.com/sports/m-baskbl/mtt/ingram_bo00.html|archive-date=March 9, 2017|url-status=dead}} went on to play college basketball for South Plains College (2008–2010) and UT Arlington (2010–2012).{{Cite web |title=Brandon Ingram Bio |url=https://goduke.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/brandon-ingram/4400 |access-date=September 4, 2023 |website=goduke.com}} By the time Brandon reached eighth grade, Stackhouse became Ingram's Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) coach and mentored the young basketball player.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/brandon-ingram-duke-goodbye-letter|title=Farewell, Duke {{!}} By Brandon Ingram|website=The Players' Tribune|access-date=April 18, 2016}} Those influences "took me to the next level", said Ingram, whose foundation as a player came from his father.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/draft/2016/06/22/brandon-ingram-ben-simmons-mike-krzyzewski-nba-draft/86263068/|title=NBA-bound Brandon Ingram cool on the surface, fiery beneath it|last=Gleeson|first=Scott|work=USA Today|date=June 24, 2016|access-date=July 3, 2016}} His father was a high school and collegiate referee who stated Brandon "was trained correctly, both mentally and physically. He grew up knowing the rules of the game". Ingram played all four years of his high school basketball career at Kinston High School and helped lead Kinston to four straight state championships during his time there.[http://www.kinston.com/sports/local/brandon-ingram-is-the-free-press-player-of-the-year-1.460541?page=1 Brandon Ingram is The Free Press Player of the Year]

High school career

During his freshman year at Kinston, he came off the bench on the varsity basketball team but along the way his role grew.{{Cite web|url=http://carolinablitz.com/2015/03/16/kinstons-brandon-ingram-darnell-dunn-make-nc-history/|title=Kinston's Brandon Ingram & Darnell Dunn Make NC History|last=Pope IV|first=Jonas|work=Carolina Blitz|date=March 16, 2015|access-date=June 28, 2016}} In his first year with the Kinston Vikings, the team defeated Cuthbertson High School by three points to win the 2012 NCHSAA 2-A boys' basketball state championship in Reynolds Coliseum.{{Cite web|url=http://www.highschoolot.com/content/image/10841151/|title=Boys Basketball: Kinston vs. Cuthbertson|work=High School OT|date=March 10, 2012|access-date=July 5, 2016}} As a sophomore, Kinston defeated Cuthbertson for the second year in a row to win the state title and Ingram averaged 12.4 points per game (ppg), 3.9 rebounds per game (rpg) and 1.5 assists per game (apg).{{Cite web|url=http://www.highschoolot.com/kinston-repeats-as-state-champs-with-win-over-cuthbertson/12231815/|title=Kinston repeats as state champs with win over Cuthbertson|work=Carolina Blitz|date=March 16, 2013|access-date=July 3, 2016}} Prior to the start of Ingram's junior year, he began to show improvement during the 2013 summer while playing AAU basketball.{{Cite web|url=http://www.scout.com/college/basketball/recruiting/story/1455153-brandon-ingram-evaluation|title=Brandon Ingram: Evaluation|last=Harrington|first=Rob|publisher=Scouts Hoop|date=April 27, 2015|access-date=July 4, 2016}} After shining for the Stackhouse Elite team, the {{convert|6|ft|7|in|adj=on}} junior entered the year with high expectations and received a large amount of attention from college coaches who were lined up to recruit Ingram to a Division I school.{{Cite web|url=http://www.hoopseen.com/news/general/201309/elite-programs-to-see-ingram-focus-remains-on-state-championship|title=ELITE PROGRAMS IN TO SEE INGRAM, FOCUS REMAINS ON STATE CHAMPIONSHIP|last=Young|first=Justin|publisher=Hoop Seen|date=September 24, 2013|access-date=July 4, 2016}}

File:20150401 MCDAAG Brandon Ingram J.JPG]]

In his junior year, Ingram led the Kinston Vikings to its third consecutive state title where he scored 28 points to go along with his 16 rebounds against North Rowan.{{Cite web|url=http://www.witn.com/home/headlines/Kinston-Wins-Third-Straight-State-Title-250479061.html|title=Kinston Wins Third Straight State Title|publisher=WITN-TV|date=March 15, 2014|access-date=June 29, 2016|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116043342/https://www.witn.com/home/headlines/Kinston-Wins-Third-Straight-State-Title-250479061.html|url-status=dead}} During the season, the Vikings went undefeated in their conference with a 26–4 overall record while Ingram was averaging 19.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.5 assists per game and was named Eastern Regional Most Valuable Player (MVP).{{Cite web|url=http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/kinston-vikings-(kinston,nc)/basketball-winter-13-14/schedule.htm|title=Schedule – Kinston Vikings 2013–14 Basketball (NC) – MaxPreps|work=CBS Interactive|publisher=MaxPreps.com|access-date=July 3, 2016}} During the spring 2014, Ingram represented the Stackhouse Elite for the Norman Parker Showcase at the Suwanee Sports Academy where he earned MVP honors after leading the team to the championship.{{Cite web|url=http://www.hoopseen.com/news/player/201606/first-time-i-saw-brandon-ingram%E2%80%A6|title=The first time I saw Brandon Ingram….|last=Wilson|first=Carter|website=Hoop Seen|date=June 23, 2016|access-date=July 3, 2016}} He averaged 17.9 points per game and 5.3 rebounds each contest and shot better than 81 percent from the free throw line during the Adidas Uprising circuit.{{Cite web|url=http://hoopniks.com/2015-post-summer-player-rankings-countdown-19-brandon-ingram/|title=2015 Post-Summer Player Rankings Countdown: 19 – Brandon Ingram|website=HoopNiks|access-date=July 3, 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://hoopniks.com/juniors-to-know-top-10-small-forwards/|title=Juniors to Know: Top 10 Small Forwards|website=HoopNiks|access-date=July 3, 2016}} After his junior year came to an end, Ingram participated in the NBPA Top 100 Camp on June 19, 2014, at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia.{{Cite web|url=http://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2015/04/27/mixtape-for-brandon-ingram-video/image_thumbnail-2608/|title=2014 NBA Players Association Top 100 Camp|last=Dauster|first=Rob|publisher=NBC Sports|date=April 27, 2015|access-date=July 4, 2016}} Later that summer, instead of playing for an AAU tournament in the Atlanta area, he decided to compete with his high school team at the annual East Coast Invitational (ECI), an off-season event in his home state.{{Cite web|url=http://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-recruiting/article44498763.html|title=UK recruiting: Top prospect Ingram ditches AAU circuit for tourney with home team|last=Roberts|first=Ben|work=Lexington Herald-Leader|publisher=Kentucky.com|date=July 20, 2014|access-date=July 3, 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.jdnews.com/20140718/ingram-just-one-of-the-guys-at-eci-for-always-talented-kinston/307189908|title=Ingram just one of the guys at ECI for always talented Kinston|last=Miller|first=Chris|work=The Jewish Transcript|publisher=JTNews|date=July 18, 2014|access-date=July 3, 2016}}

As a senior, he averaged 24.3 points and 10.4 rebounds per game and led the Vikings to a 26–4 record.{{Cite web |last=Wertz |first=Langston Jr. |date=April 4, 2015 |title=Weddington's Stephanie Watts, Kinston's Brandon Ingram named Ms., Mr. Basketball in NC |url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/high-school/article17406311.html |access-date=September 4, 2023 |work=The Charlotte Observer}} At the Spalding Hoophall Classic, Kinston pulled off a fourth-quarter comeback defeating Trenton Catholic Academy (56–54) behind Ingram's 22 points.{{Cite web|url=http://www.masslive.com/hoophallclassic/index.ssf/2015/01/video_brandon_ingrams_22_point.html|title=VIDEO: Brandon Ingram's 22 points, two dunks lead Kinston to win over Trenton Catholic at Hoophall Classic|last=Perri|first=Meredith|work=The Republican|publisher=MassLive.com|date=January 17, 2015|access-date=July 3, 2016}} In his final high school basketball game, he was named MVP of the state championship game after scoring 28 points to go with 10 rebounds and 5 blocks in a win over East Lincoln High School at the Dean E. Smith Center. This made Ingram the first men's basketball player to win 4 consecutive North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) championships. The Vikings also became the first Class 2A school in North Carolina history to win four consecutive state titles. Following his senior season, Ingram was a participant in the 2015 McDonald's All-American Game, where he scored 15 points and had five rebounds.[http://www.fayobserver.com/blogs/sports/acc_basketball/acc-basketball-brandon-ingram-performs-well-in-mcdonald-s-all/article_bc5986d8-d8e4-11e4-9ca2-2bee2c7541be.html ACC Basketball: Brandon Ingram performs well in McDonald's All-American Game]

Ingram was rated as a five-star recruit and was considered among the best high school prospects of the 2015 class.[https://rivals.yahoo.com/southflorida/basketball/recruiting/player-Brandon-Ingram-134659 Rivals.com]{{cite web|title=Brandon Ingram|work=Verbal Commits|url=http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/brandon-ingram|access-date=April 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415012945/http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/brandon-ingram|archive-date=April 15, 2017|url-status=dead}} He was ranked as the No. 3 overall recruit by ESPN and Scout, as well as No. 4 overall by Rivals.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/playerrankings/_/class/2015/order/true|title=ESPN Basketball Recruiting 2015 ESPN 100|publisher=ESPN|access-date=November 3, 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.scout.com/college/basketball/recruiting/2015-basketball-prospects|title=2015 Basketball Recruiting Prospects|publisher=Scout.com|access-date=November 3, 2016}}{{Cite web|url=https://rivals.yahoo.com/UGA/football/recruiting/rankings/rank-3252|title=Yahoo Sports: Rivals.com Ranking – Class of 2015 Rivals150|publisher=Rivals.com|access-date=November 3, 2016}} He was named North Carolina's Mr. Basketball and Player of the Year by North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association (NCBCA).{{Cite web|url=http://www.highschoolot.com/brandon-ingram-named-player-of-the-year-by-ncbca/14549281/|title=Brandon Ingram named player of the year by NCBCA|website=highschoolot.com|date=March 30, 2015|access-date=April 18, 2016}} He also made the Parade All-American team, in his senior season, joining Duke teammate Luke Kennard. In his senior year, he was also named to the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association All-District First Team. On April 27, 2015, he announced that he would attend Duke University and play for the Blue Devils in the 2015–16 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12776578/18460489|title=Brandon Ingram Headed to Duke|last=Borzello|first=Jeff|date=April 27, 2015|publisher=ESPN|access-date=January 24, 2021}} Ingram said he "probably" would have committed to North Carolina in November if the Tar Heels were not involved in a "far-reaching academic scandal".{{Cite web|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/high-school/article13892624.html|title=Elite recruit Brandon Ingram's attention on 4th title, then decision|last=Wertz JR.|first=Langston|work=The Charlotte Observer|date=March 12, 2015|access-date=June 28, 2016}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Brandon Ingram

| position = SF

| hometown = Kinston, NC

| highschool = Kinston HS

| feet = 6

| inches = 8

| weight = 190

| 40 =

| commitdate = April 27, 2015

| scout stars = 5

| rivals stars = 5

| 247 stars = 5

| espn stars = 5

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit End

| year = 2015

| rivals ref title = Duke Basketball Commitment List

| scout ref title = 2015 Duke Basketball Commits

| espn ref title = ESPN

| rivals school = duke

| scout s = 167

| espn schoolid = 150

| scout overall = 3, 1 (SF)

| rivals overall = 4, 2 (SF)

| espn overall = 3, 1 (SF)

| access-date = March 8, 2017

| bball = yes}}

College career

Ingram began his freshman year of college basketball playing two exhibition games against Florida Southern and Livingstone.{{cite news|title=GALLERY: Duke v. Florida Southern, 112–68|url=http://www.heraldsun.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/gallery-duke-v-florida-southern/collection_49c41d20-7f71-11e5-8067-1f5ea97dc7c7.html#10|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160726045941/http://www.heraldsun.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/gallery-duke-v-florida-southern/collection_49c41d20-7f71-11e5-8067-1f5ea97dc7c7.html%2310|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 26, 2016|work=The Herald Sun|date=October 30, 2015|access-date=July 6, 2016}}{{cite news|title=Kennard, Ingram Lead Duke Past Livingstone 119–54|url=http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=210473187|publisher=GoDuke.com|date=November 4, 2015|access-date=July 6, 2016}} In his debut for Duke, Ingram scored 15 points on 5-of-16 shooting against Siena.{{cite news|title=Final Four star Allen scores 26, No. 5 Duke tops Siena 92–74|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400818724|publisher=ESPN|date=December 15, 2015|access-date=June 28, 2016}} In the second game, he scored 21 points to help Duke defeat Bryant in the 2K Sports Classic.{{cite news|title=Jones, Allen lead No. 5 Duke past Bryant, 113–75|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400818725|publisher=ESPN|date=November 15, 2015|access-date=July 5, 2016}} The Blue Devils started out the season ranked fifth in the nation entering the Champions Classic, an event that matches four of the nation's best programs against each other,{{cite news|title=About – Champions Classic|url=http://espnevents.com/champions-classic/about/|publisher=ESPN|access-date=July 4, 2016|archive-date=May 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503190412/http://espnevents.com/champions-classic/about/|url-status=dead}} before receiving their first loss of the season against Kentucky on November 17, 2015.{{cite news|title=Kentucky upstages Duke in Champions Classic|url=https://247sports.com/college/duke/article/coaches-quickley-lining-up-for-immanuel5-star-immanuel-quickley-46082748/|publisher=247sports|last=Lykins|first=Chad|date=November 17, 2015|access-date=June 28, 2016}} The same day, Ingram became one of seven freshmen named to the 50-man Wooden Award preseason watchlist.{{cite web|url=http://www.woodenaward.com/john_r_wooden_award_presented_by_wendy_s_reveals_2015_16_preseason_top_50|title=John Wooden Preseason Top 50 – John R Wooden Award|access-date=July 6, 2016|date=November 17, 2015|publisher=Wooden Award}} Duke quickly bounced back by defeating Georgetown the following week at the 2K Sports Classic Championship in Madison Square Garden on November 22.{{cite news|title=Grayson Allen leads No. 5 Duke to 2K Classic title|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400853325|publisher=ESPN|date=November 22, 2015|access-date=July 4, 2016}} The same week, Ingram came off the bench for the second time after being removed from Duke's starting line-up for their game against Yale, scoring 15 points.{{cite news|title=Duke's Ingram excels thanks to Kinston roots|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recapgameId=400816817|publisher=ESPN|date=November 25, 2015|access-date=July 5, 2016}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The following game, he was inserted back into the starting line-up and helped Duke start the season 9–1, which included a seven-game win streak, before falling to Utah in overtime.{{cite news|title=Utah basketball: Utes stun No. 7 Duke 77–75 (OT) at Madison Square Garden|url=http://www.sltrib.com/home/3322655-155/live-blog-utah-vs-duke-at|last=Goon|first=Kyle|work=The Salt Lake Tribune|publisher=Sltrib.com|date=December 19, 2015|access-date=July 4, 2016}} During a five-game stretch in December, Ingram averaged 21.2 points and 8.8 rebounds while filling in at power forward for injured Amile Jefferson.{{cite news|title=Duke's Ingram excels thanks to Kinston roots|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14508661|last=Brown|first=C.L.|publisher=ESPN|date=January 6, 2016|access-date=June 28, 2016}} After recording 24 points and 6 rebounds in a win over Indiana in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge on December 2,{{cite news|title=Freshman Ingram scores 24, No. 7 Duke routs Indiana 94–74|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400809408|publisher=ESPN|date=December 3, 2015|access-date=July 4, 2016}} Ingram scored 23 points to lead Duke over Buffalo.{{cite news|title=Ingram scores 23, No. 7 Duke beats Buffalo 82–59|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400816819|publisher=ESPN|date=December 5, 2015|access-date=July 4, 2016}} For his efforts, he received his first ACC Rookie of the Week honor.{{cite news|title=Ingram Named ACC Rookie of the Week|url=http://www.scout.com/college/duke/story/1620648-ingram-named-acc-rookie-of-the-week|publisher=Scout.com|date=December 7, 2015|access-date=July 4, 2016}}

On December 12, 2015, Ingram scored a career-high 26 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in a home win over Georgia Southern,{{cite news|title=Freshman Ingram leads No. 7 Duke past Georgia Southern 99–65|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400816820|publisher=ESPN|date=November 13, 2015|access-date=June 28, 2016}} and blocked a career-high 6 shots in a home win over Virginia Tech in January 2016.{{cite news|title=Plumlee Pushes No. 14 Duke Past Virginia Tech 82–58|url=http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=210623891|website=goduke.com|access-date=June 28, 2016}} That same month, he scored 25 points and had 9 rebounds in a win at Boston College in his ACC debut.{{cite news|title=Ingram, Kennard power Duke men's basketball past Boston College in ACC opener|url=http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2016/01/ingram-kennard-power-duke-mens-basketball-past-boston-college-in-acc-opener|last=Cash|first=Meredith|work=The Chronicle|date=January 2, 2016|access-date=June 28, 2016}} After being voted National Freshman of the Week and ACC Rookie of the Week twice in the month of January,{{cite news|title=Ingram Named ACC Rookie of the Week|url=http://www.scout.com/college/duke/story/1631499-ingram-named-acc-rookie-of-the-week|publisher=Scout.com|date=January 11, 2015|access-date=July 4, 2016}} Ingram helped Duke break a three-game losing streak by scoring 25 points to go with 7 rebounds against NC State.{{cite magazine|title=No. 20 Duke beats NC State 88–78 to end 3-game losing skid|url=https://www.si.com/college-basketball/game/2016/01/23/blue-devils-wolfpack-saturday-january-23rd-2016|magazine=Sports Illustrated|publisher=SI.com|date=January 23, 2016|access-date=July 4, 2016}} In February 2016, he was voted ACC Rookie of the Week for the fourth time after averaging a team-high 21.5 points and added 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists on the week as Duke defeated number thirteen Louisville and number seven Virginia to extend its winning streak to four games.{{cite news|title=ACC ANNOUNCES BASKETBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK PRESENTED BY HAVOLINE FOR FEBRUARY 15|url=http://www.theacc.com/news/acc-announces-basketball-players-of-the-week-15-02-15-2016|publisher=The ACC|date=February 15, 2016|access-date=July 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816235125/http://www.theacc.com/news/acc-announces-basketball-players-of-the-week-15-02-15-2016|archive-date=August 16, 2016|url-status=dead}} That same month, Ingram was named to the 35-man midseason watchlist for the Naismith College Player of the Year award.{{cite news|title=Ben Simmons, Buddy Hield among Naismith Trophy midseason finalists|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/naismith-watch/2016-02-11/ben-simmons-buddy-hield-among-naismith-trophy|work=NCAA.com|date=February 11, 2016|access-date=July 4, 2016}} In a road game against the number fifth seed and rival North Carolina, Ingram scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to give Duke a one-point win over the Tar Heels on February 17.{{cite news|title=Duke vs. North Carolina – Box Score – February 17, 2016 – ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=400839773|publisher=ESPN|access-date=July 4, 2016}}

As the fifth seed in the ACC tournament, Duke beat NC State in the second round but lost to Notre Dame in the quarterfinals.{{cite news|title=Duke exits ACC Tournament with quarterfinals loss to Notre Dame|url=http://duke.247sports.com/Bolt/Duke-exits-ACC-Tournament-with-quarterfinals-loss-to-Notre-Dame-44190627|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312205033/http://duke.247sports.com/Bolt/Duke-exits-ACC-Tournament-with-quarterfinals-loss-to-Notre-Dame-44190627|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 12, 2016|last=Lykins|first=Chad|website=247sports.com|date=March 10, 2016|access-date=June 28, 2016}} In the 2016 NCAA tournament, Duke was awarded a fourth seed and won their first-round match-up against UNC Wilmington.{{cite news|last=O'Neil|first=Dana|title=Marshall Plumlee's big second half helps Duke subdue UNC Wilmington|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/112641|publisher=ESPN|date=March 17, 2016|access-date=June 28, 2016}} After beating Yale in the second round, Duke was defeated in the Sweet 16 by Oregon despite 24 points from Ingram.{{cite news|title=Defending champ Duke falls as Oregon advances to Elite Eight|url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=400872397|publisher=ESPN|date=March 25, 2016|access-date=June 28, 2016}} In 36 games for Duke in 2015–16, Ingram averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 34.6 minutes per game, while shooting 44.2% from the field, 41.0% from three-point range and 68.2% from the free throw line. He finished the tournament averaging 23.0 points to go along with 6.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in the three games. He subsequently earned ACC Rookie of the Year honors and AP All-American honorable mention.[http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2016/03/grayson-allen-brandon-ingram-named-ap-all-americans Allen named 3rd team AP All-American, Ingram earns honorable mention/] Ingram had one of the best seasons ever for a young player at Duke, ranking in the top 3 among the school's all-time freshman leaders in scoring (third), three-pointers (second) and 20-point games (tied for second).{{cite news|title=Brandon Ingram ready to join Lakers' rebuilding process|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-draft-brandon-ingram-20160623-snap-story.html|last=Bresnahan

|first=Mike|work=Los Angeles Times|date=June 23, 2016|access-date=July 3, 2016}} On April 4, 2016, Ingram declared for the 2016 NBA draft, forgoing his final three years of college eligibility.{{cite news|title=Duke freshman Brandon Ingram declares for NBA draft|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2016/story/_/id/15131336|publisher=ESPN|date=April 4, 2016|access-date=June 28, 2016}}

Professional career

=Los Angeles Lakers (2016–2019)=

On June 23, 2016, Ingram was selected with the second overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.{{cite web|last=Holmes|first=Baxter|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/draft2016/story/_/id/16458661|title=Lakers take Brandon Ingram with second pick of draft|work=ESPN.com|date=June 23, 2016|access-date=June 23, 2016}} Being only 18 years old at the time, he was the second-youngest player drafted in 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.lakersnation.com/brandon-ingram-and-nba-rookie-of-the-year-odds/2016/08/23/|title=Brandon Ingram and NBA Rookie of the Year Odds|work=LakersNation.com|date=August 24, 2016|access-date=August 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821223242/https://www.lakersnation.com/brandon-ingram-and-nba-rookie-of-the-year-odds/2016/08/23/|archive-date=August 21, 2018|url-status=dead}} On August 23, 2016, he signed his rookie-scale contract with the Lakers.{{cite web |date=August 23, 2016 |title=Lakers Sign Brandon Ingram |url=https://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/160823ingramsigned |access-date=September 4, 2023 |work=NBA.com}} He made his debut for the Lakers in their season opener on October 26, 2016, scoring nine points off the bench in a 120–114 win over the Houston Rockets.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899415|title=Young Lakers roar past Rockets 120–114 to win Walton's debut|work=ESPN.com|date=October 26, 2016|access-date=October 27, 2016}} On November 23, in his first career start, Ingram scored a then career-high 16 points in a 149–106 loss to the Golden State Warriors.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899673|title=Warriors dish out franchise-record 47 assists in 43-point rout of Lakers|work=ESPN.com|date=November 23, 2016|access-date=November 24, 2016}} He topped that mark on December 2, scoring 17 points in a 113–80 loss to the Toronto Raptors.{{cite web|last=Ganguli|first=Tania|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-report-20161202-story.html|title='Very solid' Ingram a bright spot in Lakers' loss|work=Los Angeles Times|date=December 2, 2016|access-date=December 26, 2016}} On December 17, he had nine points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, finishing just an assist and a point shy of becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double in Los Angeles' 119–108 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.{{cite web|last=Ramirez|first=Joey|url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/161217-postgame-wrap-lakers-cavaliers|title=Ingram, Young Provide Huge Nights In Loss to Cavs|work=NBA.com|date=December 17, 2016|access-date=December 17, 2016}} On January 6, 2017, he had his second 17-point game of the season in a 127–100 win over the Miami Heat.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899970|title=Lakers roll past Heat 127–100 after Clarkson, Dragic ejected|work=ESPN.com|date=January 6, 2017|access-date=January 7, 2017}} Two days later, he had another 17-point effort in a 111–95 win over the Orlando Magic.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400899988|title=Lakers beat Magic 111–95 for 2nd straight victory|work=ESPN.com|date=January 8, 2017|access-date=January 8, 2017}} During the NBA All-Star Weekend, he participated in the Rising Stars Challenge along with teammate D'Angelo Russell.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-ingram-russell-20170125-story.html|title=Lakers' Brandon Ingram and D'Angelo Russell are Rising Stars|last=Ganguli|first=Tania|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 25, 2017|access-date=March 1, 2017}} He hit the 20-point mark for the first time in his career on February 26, scoring 22 points in a 119–98 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/lakers-brandon-ingram-scores-career-high-22-points-in-sundays-loss/|title=Lakers' Brandon Ingram: Scores career-high 22 points in Sunday's loss|work=CBSSports.com|date=February 26, 2017|access-date=February 26, 2017}} At the season's end, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.{{cite web|last=Rohrbach|first=Ben|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/draymond-green-joel-embiid-headline-nbas-defensive-rookie-team-announcements-193946303.html|title=Draymond Green, Joel Embiid headline NBA's All-Defensive, All-Rookie team announcements|work=Yahoo.com|date=June 27, 2017|access-date=June 27, 2017}}

During his only game in Summer League, Ingram scored 26 points in the first game and according to the Los Angeles Times, "had a fabulous debut this summer [...] and outclassed all the other players on the court."{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-summer-league-ingram-20170708-story.html|title=Lakers shut down Brandon Ingram for rest of Summer League|work=Los Angeles Times|last=Ganguli|first=Tania|date=July 8, 2017|access-date=August 6, 2017}} On October 20, 2017, he scored a then career-high 25 points in a 132–130 win over the Phoenix Suns.{{cite web|last=Ramirez|first=Joey|url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/171020-postgame-wrap-lakers-suns|title=Lonzo Lights Up Suns In Season's First Win|work=NBA.com|date=October 20, 2017|access-date=October 22, 2017}} On November 15, 2017, he scored 26 points to go with a career-best 11 rebounds in a 115–109 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.{{cite web|last=Ramirez|first=Joey|url=http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/171115-lakers-sixers-wrap|title=Ingram, Kuzma Score Career-Highs in Slugfest Loss to Sixers|work=NBA.com|date=November 15, 2017|access-date=November 16, 2017}} On November 29, he scored a career-high 32 points in a 127–123 overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975063|title=Curry comes through in OT, Warriors outlast Lakers 127–123|work=ESPN.com|date=November 29, 2017|access-date=November 30, 2017}} On December 7, he scored 21 points, including the game-winning 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds remaining, leading the Lakers to a 107–104 victory over the 76ers to end a five-game losing streak.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975114|title=Ingram's 3-pointer lifts Lakers over 76ers|work=ESPN.com|date=December 7, 2017|access-date=December 7, 2017}} On January 5, 2018, he had 22 points and a career-high 14 rebounds in a 108–94 loss to the Charlotte Hornets.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=400975323|title=Kemba gets 19 in Hornets' 108–94 rout of slumping Lakers|work=ESPN.com|date=January 5, 2018|access-date=January 6, 2018}} For the second year, he participated in the Rising Stars Challenge during NBA All-Star Weekend for Team USA.{{cite news|last=Bobb|first=Maurice|title=NBA Rising Stars Challenge 2018: Rosters, Snubs, Predictions for USA vs. World|date=February 14, 2018|newspaper=Bleacher Report|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2759377-nba-rising-stars-challenge-2018-rosters-snubs-predictions-for-usa-vs-world}} On March 1, Ingram suffered a groin strain that would cause him to miss 12 straight games.{{cite news|last=Ahmed|first=Shahan|title=Brandon Ingram Injury Update|date=March 12, 2018|newspaper=NBC Los Angeles|url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/sports/Brandon-Ingram-groin-strain-Injury-Update-476558303.html}}{{cite news|last=Youngmisuk|first=Ohm|title=Lakers' Brandon Ingram diagnosed with concussion|date=March 31, 2018|newspaper=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22982447}} He returned on March 30 against the Milwaukee Bucks but suffered a neck muscle contusion during the game and was placed in the NBA's concussion protocol, causing him to miss the rest of the season.

Ingram received a four-game suspension early in the 2018–19 season for his involvement in an on-court fight against the Houston Rockets on October 20.{{cite web|last=Wojnarowski|first=Adrian|authorlink=Adrian Wojnarowski|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25043399|title=Sources: NBA looking at Rondo spitting video|website=ESPN.com|date=October 21, 2018|access-date=October 21, 2018}}{{cite web|last=Wojnarowski|first=Adrian|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25047465|title=Brandon Ingram out 4 games, Rajon Rondo 3 and Chris Paul 2|website=ESPN.com|date=October 21, 2018|access-date=October 21, 2018}} He missed seven games in December with a sprained left ankle.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071159|title=LeBron James gets triple-double, Lakers top Pelicans 112–104|work=ESPN.com|date=December 21, 2018|access-date=December 22, 2018}} On January 17, 2019, he had a career-high 11 assists in a 138–128 overtime win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071346|title=Kuzma scores 32 as Lakers top Thunder in OT without LeBron|work=ESPN.com|date=January 17, 2019|access-date=January 18, 2019}} On January 29, he scored a career-high 36 points in a 121–105 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401071428|title=Embiid scores 28, leads 76ers to 121–105 victory over Lakers|work=ESPN.com|date=January 29, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2019}} On March 9, Ingram was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a deep vein thrombosis in his arm.{{cite web|title=Brandon Ingram Medical Update|url=https://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/190309ingram-medical-update|website=NBA.com|access-date=March 9, 2019|date=March 9, 2019}}

=New Orleans Pelicans (2019–2025)=

On July 6, 2019, the Lakers traded Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, the draft rights to De'Andre Hunter, two first-round picks, a first-round pick swap and cash to the New Orleans Pelicans for All-Star Anthony Davis.{{Cite press release|date=July 6, 2019|url=https://www.nba.com/lakers/releases/190706-lakers-acquire-davis|title=Lakers Acquire Anthony Davis|publisher=Los Angeles Lakers|access-date=July 7, 2019}} On November 4, 2019, Ingram recorded a then career high by scoring 40 points in a loss against the Brooklyn Nets.{{cite web |title=Ingram silences injury talk with career-high 40 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28010221 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=November 8, 2019 |language=en |date=5 November 2019}} On January 16, 2020, he bested that career high, scoring 49 points in a 138–132 overtime win over the Utah Jazz. Ingram gave New Orleans a one-point lead with a fadeaway jumper with 0.2 seconds remaining in regulation, before Rudy Gobert was fouled and sent the game to overtime with a free throw.{{Cite web|url=https://www.si.com/.amp/nba/2020/01/17/pelicans-brandon-ingram-career-high-points|title=Pelicans F Brandon Ingram Scores Career-High 49 Points in Win over Jazz | Sports Illustrated}} He became an NBA All-Star in his first year as a Pelican. He was named the NBA Most Improved Player after averaging 23.8 points. 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.{{cite news|first=Christian|last=Clark|title=Brandon Ingram named NBA's Most Improved Player award to become Pelicans' first-ever winner|date=August 31, 2020|website=NOLA.com|url=https://www.nola.com/sports/pelicans/article_d6d70748-e6f7-11ea-9824-37179e07a812.html|access-date=September 8, 2020}} After becoming a restricted free agent in the 2020 offseason, Ingram re-signed to the Pelicans on a five-year, $158 million contract.{{Cite magazine|last=Shapiro|first=Michael|title=Report: Ingram, Pelicans Agree to $158 Million Extension|url=https://www.si.com/nba/2020/11/24/brandon-ingram-pelicans-five-year-contract-extension|access-date=2020-12-01|magazine=Sports Illustrated|language=en-us}} His contract has no player or team option, setting Ingram up to become a free agent again in the 2025 offseason.{{Cite web|title=Brandon Ingram Doesn't Have Player Option In Year 5 Of New Contract|url=https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/260647/Brandon-Ingram-Doesnt-Have-Player-Option-In-Year-5-Of-New-Contract|access-date=2020-12-01|website=basketball.realgm.com}}

On December 3, 2021, Ingram recorded a career-high 12 assists, along with 24 points and eight rebounds, in a 107–91 win over the Dallas Mavericks.{{Cite web |date=December 4, 2021 |title=Pelicans' Brandon Ingram: Flirts with triple-double in win |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/pelicans-brandon-ingram-flirts-with-triple-double-in-win/ |access-date=January 12, 2022 |work=CBS Sports}} Two days later, he scored a season-high 40 points in a 118–108 loss to the Houston Rockets.{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Christian |date=December 5, 2021 |title=Brandon Ingram's 40-point night spoiled as Pelicans lose to Rockets |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/pelicans/article_530a7390-561e-11ec-84d8-77c6807ba0aa.html |access-date=January 12, 2022 |website=nola.com}} On January 11, 2022, Ingram recorded 33 points and nine assists, and hit a game-winning three-pointer to lift the Pelicans to a 128–125 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2022 |title=Ingram's 3 late 3s lift Pelicans past Timberwolves 128–125 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/ingrams-3-late-3s-lift-pelicans-past-timberwolves-128-125/ |access-date=January 12, 2022 |website=CBS Sports|agency=Associated Press}} On April 19, during Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs, Ingram recorded 37 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists in a 125–114 win over the Phoenix Suns.{{cite web |last=Brandt |first=David |date=April 20, 2022 |title=Pelicans stun top-seeded Suns to even up series 1–1 |url=https://www.nba.com/game/nop-vs-phx-0042100142 |access-date=April 20, 2022 |work=NBA.com}} In Game 4, on April 24, Ingram scored 30 points in a 118–103 win to tie the series at 2–2.{{cite web |last=Finney |first=Peter Jr. |date=April 25, 2022 |title=Pelicans dominate Suns in 2nd half to knot series at 2–2 |url=https://www.nba.com/game/phx-vs-nop-0042100144 |access-date=April 25, 2022 |work=NBA.com}} New Orleans would go on to lose to Phoenix in six games despite Ingram averaging 27.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists.{{cite web |date=29 April 2022 |title=2022 WEST FIRST ROUND: PHX (1) VS. NOP (8) |url=https://www.nba.com/playoffs/2022/west-first-round-1 |access-date=29 April 2022 |work=NBA.com}} On June 7, Ingram underwent surgery on his right pinky finger and was ruled out for 6 to 8 weeks.{{Cite web |date=June 11, 2022 |title=Pelicans' Brandon Ingram undergoes finger surgery, sidelined 6–8 weeks |url=https://www.nba.com/news/pelicans-brandon-ingram-finger-surgery |access-date=June 12, 2022 |website=NBA.com}}

On March 24, 2023, Ingram achieved the first triple-double of his NBA career with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in the Pelicans' 115–96 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.{{cite web |title=Ingram's 1st triple-double lifts Pelicans past Hornets |date=March 24, 2023 |url=https://apnews.com/article/hornets-pelicans-brandon-ingram-4127d1f2eadbe93e3783cc8d2d89c61c |publisher=AP News |access-date=24 March 2023}} On March 30, Ingram put up a triple-double with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 107–88 win over the Denver Nuggets. He joined Chris Paul as the only players with multiple games of at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in Pelicans history.{{cite web|url= https://clutchpoints.com/pelicans-news-brandon-ingram-joins-chris-paul-in-deep-new-orleans-lore-with-triple-double-in-win-vs-nuggets|title= Brandon Ingram joins Chris Paul in deep Pelicans lore with triple-double in win vs. Nuggets|website=ClutchPoints|last=Pagaduan|first=Jedd|date=March 30, 2023|access-date=March 30, 2023}} On April 9, in the final game of the 2022–23 season, Ingram posted season highs of 42 points and 12 rebounds along with 7 assists in a 113–108 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves.{{cite web |title=Edwards leads Wolves rally past Pelicans, after Gobert punch |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401469380 |website=ESPN |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=April 9, 2023}}

On February 6, 2024, Ingram put up 41 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in a 138–100 win over the Toronto Raptors. He became the first player in NBA history to put up at least 40 points, eight or more three-pointers made, and shoot at least 75+% from the field, while not committing a turnover.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/breaking-down-brandon-ingram-historic-night-in-pelicans-win-over-raptors|title=Breaking down Brandon Ingram's historic night in Pelicans' win over Raptors|website=ClutchPoints|last=Dodson|first=Chris|date=February 6, 2024|access-date=February 6, 2024}}

On December 8, 2024, Ingram sustained a left ankle sprain in a 119–109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, which would go on to be his last game played for the Pelicans.{{Cite web|title=

Pelicans' leading scorer Brandon Ingram sidelined with ankle sprain|url=https://www.nba.com/news/pelicans-injury-troubles-compounded-brandon-ingram-goes-down|date=December 9, 2024|website=nba.com}}

=Toronto Raptors (2025–present)=

On February 6, 2025, Ingram was traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for guard-forward Bruce Brown, center Kelly Olynyk, a 2026 first-round draft pick (via Indiana) and a 2031 second-round draft pick.{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/news/raptors-acquire-ingram-from-new-orleans|title=RAPTORS ACQUIRE INGRAM FROM NEW ORLEANS|work=NBA.com|date=February 6, 2025}} On February 12, he signed a 3-year, $120 million contract extension with the team.{{cite web |title=RAPTORS EXTEND INGRAM |url=https://www.nba.com/raptors/news/raptors-extend-ingram |website=NBA.com |access-date=March 4, 2025 |date=February 12, 2025}} On April 9, before ever being able to suit up for the franchise, he was officially shut down for the season following a PRP injection in his ankle to aid in his recovery.{{Cite web|title=Raptors' Brandon Ingram gets injection for ankle, season over|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44607917/raptors-brandon-ingram-gets-injection-ankle-season-over|date=April 9, 2025|website=espn.com}}

National team career

Ingram was selected to the 2016 U.S. select team, which trained with the 2016 U.S. Olympic basketball team.{{cite web | url=http://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2016/06/2016-usa-mens-select-team.aspx | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609233301/http://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2016/06/2016-usa-mens-select-team.aspx | url-status=dead | archive-date=June 9, 2016 | title=USA Basketball Names 25 Top Young NBA Players To 2016 USA Men's Select Team | publisher=USA Basketball | date=June 7, 2016 | access-date=June 27, 2016}} He was also a member of the United States national team that competed in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, finishing fourth overall.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-11 |title=Team USA Grades: How every American player fared in disappointing FIBA World Cup showing |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/team-usa-grades-how-every-american-player-fared-in-disappointing-fiba-world-cup-showing/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}

Player profile

File:20150329 MCDAAG closed practice Brandon Ingram (3).JPG]]

Standing {{convert|6|ft|8|in}} tall and weighing {{Convert|196|lb}},{{cite web|title=Brandon Ingram|website=NBA.com|url=http://www.nba.com/playerfile/brandon_ingram|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028063238/https://www.nba.com/players/brandon/ingram/1627742|archive-date=October 28, 2019}} Ingram plays mostly at the small forward position.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/nba-draft-2016-small-forward-rankings-brandon-ingram-in-a-class-of-his-own/|title=NBA Draft 2016 small forward rankings: Brandon Ingram in a class of his own|last=Vecenie|first=Sam|work=CBS Sports|date=May 31, 2016|access-date=July 25, 2016}} His long arms, stretching to a {{convert|7|ft|3|in|adj=on}} wingspan and {{convert|9|ft|1|in|adj=on}} standing reach,{{cite web|url=https://insider.espn.com/nbadraft/results/player/_/id/20256|title=Brandon Ingram 2016 NBA Draft Profile – ESPN|publisher=ESPN|access-date=July 25, 2016}} allows him get his shot off over defenders and block shots on the defensive end.{{cite web|url=http://upsidemotor.com/2015/12/11/brandon-ingram-potential-duke-nba-draft-lottery-wingspan/|title=Brandon Ingram's climbing up NBA Draft boards with his long arms|last=Stone|first=Chris|date=December 11, 2015|publisher=FanSided|access-date=July 25, 2016}} Ingram has drawn frequent comparisons to Kevin Durant, after whom he patterned his playing style revealing, "I try to take bits and pieces out of [Durant's] game and put it in my game [but] at the end of the day, he's Kevin Durant, and I'm Brandon Ingram".{{cite web|url=http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2016/6/23/12014946/la-lakers-draft-news-brandon-ingram-kevin-durant|title=Lakers draft news: Brandon Ingram says he sees the comparisons between himself and Kevin Durant|last=Faigen|first=Harrison|publisher=SB Nation|date=June 23, 2016|access-date=July 25, 2016}} Like Durant, Ingram has been criticized for his slim frame; however, one Western Conference coach stated that Ingram is "just weak right now. He's not soft, by any stretch of the imagination."{{cite web |last=Lane |first=Trevor |date=June 24, 2016 |title=Lakers News: Coach Describes Brandon Ingram As 'Weak', But Not 'Soft' |url=https://lakersnation.com/lakers-news-coach-describes-brandon-ingram-as-weak-but-not-soft |access-date=September 4, 2023 |website=Lakersnation.com}} After a Team USA practice, Durant told reporters that Ingram is "the first person that I could... look at him and feel like I'm looking in the mirror".{{cite web|url=http://uproxx.com/dimemag/kevin-durant-brandon-ingram-comparison-mirror/|title=High Praise As Kevin Durant Declares Brandon Ingram Is 'Like I'm Looking In A Mirror'|last=Rothstein|first=Matthew|publisher=Uproxx|date=June 20, 2016|access-date=July 25, 2016}} In his rookie year, Ingram was utilized as a point forward by coach Luke Walton, who stated that "it helps engage [Ingram] in the game."{{cite web|url=http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/243792/Lakers-Experimenting-With-Brandon-Ingram-At-Point-Guard|title=Lakers Experimenting With Brandon Ingram At Point Guard|publisher=Real GM.|date=October 27, 2016|access-date=October 31, 2016}}

Off the court

Growing up, one of Ingram's favorite things to do as a kid was fishing with his grandmother at Atlantic Beach.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-brandon-ingram-lakers-draft-20160306-story.html|title=Duke's Brandon Ingram figures to be quite a catch for some NBA team|last=Bresnahan|first=Mike|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 5, 2016|access-date=July 3, 2016}} Ingram signed with Excel Sports Management and is represented by Excel founder and president Jeff Schwartz.{{cite news|title=Excel Sports Management Signs Potential Top NBA Draft Pick Brandon Ingram|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2016/04/06/Labor-and-Agents/Ingram.aspx|last=Mullen|first=Liz|publisher=Sports Business Daily|date=April 6, 2016|access-date=June 28, 2016}} In 2016, he chose to sign an endorsement deal with Adidas Basketball and made an appearance in a commercial for Speed Stick along with then Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Kris Dunn.{{cite news|title=adidas Signs Five Top Picks in 2016 NBA Draft|url=http://news.adidas.com/us/Latest-News/adidas-Signs-Five-Top-Picks-in-2016-NBA-Draft/s/a494725a-8c94-4f15-819a-aa7ab07ae3e1|publisher=Adidas|date=June 21, 2016|access-date=July 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801000446/http://news.adidas.com/us/Latest-News/adidas-Signs-Five-Top-Picks-in-2016-NBA-Draft/s/a494725a-8c94-4f15-819a-aa7ab07ae3e1|archive-date=August 1, 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Brandon Ingram appears in Speed Stick commercial leading up to NBA Draft|url=http://www.dukechronicle.com/blog/blue-zone/2016/06/brandon-ingram-appears-in-speedstick-commercial-leading-up-to-nba-draft|last=Ramkumar|first=Amrith|publisher=Duke Chronicle|date=June 21, 2016|access-date=July 26, 2016|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116085345/https://www.dukechronicle.com/blog/blue-zone/2016/06/brandon-ingram-appears-in-speedstick-commercial-leading-up-to-nba-draft|url-status=dead}} In early 2017, he teamed up with L.A. street artist Jonas Never for Delta's "Beyond the Court" campaign, which saw Ingram and then-Laker teammate Jordan Clarkson explore their passions outside of basketball.{{cite news|title=Brandon Ingram: 6-foot-9 Lakers forward and aspiring artist|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/brandon-ingram-6-foot-9-lakers-forward-and-aspiring-artist-205623906.html|last=Bamberger|first=Jackie|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|date=February 28, 2017|access-date=March 1, 2017}} While Clarkson is an aspiring fashion designer, Ingram's passion for art began with him drawing basketball players and cartoon characters, which was bolstered by taking a portrait drawing class at Duke.

Career statistics

=NBA=

==Regular season==

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2016}}

| style="text-align:left;"| L.A. Lakers

| 79 || 40 || 28.9 || .402 || .294 || .621 || 4.0 || 2.1 || .6 || .4 || 9.4

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2017}}

| style="text-align:left;"| L.A. Lakers

| 59 || 59 || 33.5 || .470 || .390 || .681 || 5.3 || 3.9 || .8 || .7 || 16.1

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2018}}

| style="text-align:left;"| L.A. Lakers

| 52 || 52 || 33.9 || .497 || .330 || .675 || 5.1 || 3.0 || .5 || .6 || 18.3

| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2019}}