Blockbuster trades often ignite excitement among fans and analysts alike, but not every deal is worth the gamble. The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to Brandon Ingram in trade rumors for years, with many envisioning a homecoming for the young star who started his career in purple and gold.
Ingram has missed the last five games through injury but he has had a solid season individually, posting 22.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in 16 appearances. However, the Pelicans have not been able to capitalize on their talent because their record stands at 4-18 due to a multitude of reasons including Zion Williamson’s inability to stay healthy and in shape.
No doubt, the Pelicans might be interested in blowing up their roster and moving on from some core pieces. Trading Ingram has been the main rumor for the Pelicans considering the player is only 27 years old and has plenty of time left to prove his All-Star quality.
However, while the idea of reuniting with Ingram may seem appealing on the surface, this proposed trade involving D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Maxwell Lewis, and a coveted 2029 first-round pick comes at too steep a cost.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Maxwell Lewis, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
The Lakers might need to bring in more reinforcements considering their inability to sit atop the Western Conference, Here’s why the Lakers should steer clear of this deal and focus on more balanced team-building instead. This is a blockbuster trade that Lakers fans might be excited about, but there are five major reasons why the Lakers should avoid trading for Brandon Ingram and we present them in order.
1. This Is A Very Expensive Offer
Brandon Ingram is undoubtedly talented, but acquiring him comes at an exorbitant price. D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and a first-round pick represent a substantial package of assets, not to mention the inclusion of promising youngster Maxwell Lewis. Russell’s shooting and playmaking (12.4 points and 4.8 assists per game so far this season) is integral to the Lakers’ depth chart as a bench player, while Hachimura has proven his worth as a reliable scorer, averaging 11.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game on 45.5% shooting.
Additionally, parting with a 2029 first-round pick is a significant gamble for a franchise already short on draft capital. Picks that far into the future carry immense value, especially for a team that will likely be rebuilding post-LeBron James. Losing that flexibility for a player like Ingram—who, while skilled, has yet to prove he can lead a contender—may not yield the payoff the Lakers hope for.
Considering the financial implications, the Lakers would also need to navigate Ingram’s $36,016,200 salary this season, limiting their ability to address other roster needs. Allocating such a large portion of the cap to Ingram could leave the team strapped for depth, a critical factor in any championship run.
2. Lakers Need Rebounding And Defense More Than Scoring
The Lakers’ success under new head coach J.J. Redick has revolved around rebounding and defense, and trading for Ingram does little to address those needs. Ingram is a gifted scorer, averaging 22.9 points per game this season, but his defensive metrics are middling at best. His 120.0 defensive rating ranks below league average, and he doesn’t excel as an elite rebounder, pulling down 5.8 boards per game despite being 6’8”.
Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura has proven to be a solid two-way contributor, and D’Angelo Russell’s improved effort on defense helped stabilize the Lakers’ backcourt in critical stretches. Losing both players creates glaring holes in a roster already reliant on Anthony Davis’ rim protection and LeBron James’ defensive versatility.
The Lakers are 27th in the league in rebounding this season (40.6 RPG), a weakness they can ill afford to exacerbate. Rather than targeting another scorer, the Lakers should focus on acquiring players who can fortify their rebounding and perimeter defense, which were key to their deep playoff runs over the last few seasons including the 2019-20 championship campaign.
3. Brandon Ingram Is A Ball-Dominant Star That Won’t Fit
Brandon Ingram thrives with the ball in his hands, often operating as a primary playmaker for the Pelicans. However, the Lakers already have two high-usage stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Ingram’s ball-dominant style could create redundancy and disrupt the team’s offensive flow.
This season so far, Ingram’s usage rate of 31.0% highlights his need for offensive control, which could clash with LeBron’s natural role as the team’s primary facilitator. The Lakers’ success relies on cohesive ball movement and role players who can adapt to off-ball situations, something Ingram has yet to demonstrate consistently.
Additionally, Ingram’s limited three-point shooting (36.4% in 2024-25) doesn’t address one of the Lakers’ key weaknesses: perimeter spacing. Surrounding James and Davis with reliable three-point shooters is critical for maximizing their effectiveness. Trading for Ingram might make the Lakers’ offense more predictable and less efficient in crunch-time scenarios.
4. Trading Expensive Assets For An Injury-Prone Player Isn’t Ideal
One of the most concerning aspects of acquiring Brandon Ingram is his durability. Ingram has missed significant time in recent seasons, playing in only 45 games during the 2022-23 campaign, 64 games last year, and missing five straight games so far this season. His recurring issues with hamstring strains and knee injuries raise red flags about his ability to stay on the court when it matters most.
The Lakers, already dealing with the health concerns of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, cannot afford to add another injury-prone star to their roster. Availability is as critical as talent in the pursuit of championships, and Ingram’s track record suggests he may not provide the consistency the Lakers need.
Moreover, the risk of injury diminishes the return on investment for the assets being traded. Giving up multiple contributors and a valuable first-round pick for a player who may struggle to stay healthy is a gamble the Lakers should avoid. It’s wiser to invest in players with a proven track record of durability to complement the existing core.
5. Ingram Is A Free Agent In 2025, So Why Take The Gamble?
Ingram becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2025 meaning the Lakers could wait this summer and decide to bring Ingram on board this summer. That means the Lakers might not be willing to part ways with valuable assets including the valuable 2029 first-round pick.
Even if the Lakers acquired Brandon Ingram and he performed well, there’s no guarantee he would remain with the team beyond his current contract because his first stint with the team did not go too well in the first place. In other words, the Lakers could potentially lose him for nothing after sacrificing significant assets to bring him in.
This looming uncertainty is especially problematic for a franchise already facing questions about its long-term future. The Lakers need to prioritize stability and continuity to maximize the remaining years of LeBron James’ career and ensure a smooth transition post-LeBron. Trading for a player with an unclear future could destabilize the team and disrupt their long-term planning.
Ingram’s impending free agency also raises questions about his commitment to the Lakers’ vision. If he’s not fully bought in, the team risks losing leverage in potential contract negotiations, further compounding the risks of this trade.
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