In the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers are going to consider any and every option at their disposal to increase their odds of making a title run. On Friday, the latest rumblings from the NBA rumor mill suggest that veteran forward Brandon Ingram is a top target for the Lakers ahead of February’s deadline.
“Ingram’s first NBA franchise is indeed whispered often by scouts as a potential destination for the next Ingram trade, but I haven’t been given any indication that the Lakers are looking to pursue him now,” wrote NBA insider Jake Fischer. “All credible signals circulating about the Lakers suggest that L.A. is looking to fortify its frontcourt and add perimeter defense to assist LeBron James and Anthony Davis.”
Ingram, 27, has been a Laker before. After being drafted 2nd overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, he spent his first three seasons in Los Angeles alongside Julius Randle, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart. In 190 games for the Lakers, Ingram averaged 13.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game on 45.8% shooting.
Ingram, along with Randle, Lonzo, and Hart, were packaged together and traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the blockbuster deal for Anthony Davis in 2019. He’s been with the Pelicans ever since, where he is averaging 23.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game on 47.2% shooting.
But after years of disappointment, and a 14th place standing in the West this season, the Pelicans are seemingly on the verge of a major collapse and Ingram could find his way back to L.A., according to some NBA scouts.
The Lakers, who are 9th in the West at 12-10, desperately need some reinforcements in the frontcourt and there aren’t many options better than Brandon Ingram, a 6’8″ swingman who can score on a dime and contest shots with his length.
While it’s no secret that the Lakers are looking for centers, Ingram could be a better option given his unique skill, shooting ability, and previous experience as a Laker. And while no moves are imminent right now, a lot can change between now and the NBA trade deadline in a few months.
If the Pelicans are willing to give up Ingram a discount, it will create the perfect conditions for the Lakers to come in and make a competitive offer. Of course, with just one year and $36 million left on his contract, the Lakers could forgo the trade route entirely and re-assess their situation in the summer when Ingram is a free agent.
For now, as long as the Pelicans hold out hope for Zion Williamson, it’s unlikely they’ll give up Ingram without a massive haul in return. The Lakers probably can’t afford that type of bidding war but Rob Pelinka may find a way to get his team involved somehow if the price is right.
Whatever the case, LeBron James and Anthony Davis need all the help they can get right now, and having Ingram could solve a lot of their problems if he’s utilized in the right way.
With or without another star, the season must continue for the Lakers and their next challenge is against the Atlanta Hawks tonight at 7:30 PM EST at State Farm Arena. It’s their final game on the road before their next showdown on December 8th at Crypto.com arena against the Portland Trail Blazers. After the conclusion of the in-season tournament, the Lakers will hit the rod again for a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8:00 PM EST at Target Center.
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