For the past few years, the Los Angeles Lakers have been a popular team in trade and free agency rumors. Most notably, they have reportedly expressed interest in players like Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and Donovan Mitchell, just to name a few. Ultimately, none of these blockbuster trades have happened. Regardless, as star LeBron James approaches the end of his NBA career, the Lakers continue to be a team to watch in the trade market. This includes them potentially acquiring a player like Jonas Valanciunas, Marcus Smart, or Myles Turner ahead of this season’s trade deadline. Another big name they have been linked to is Brandon Ingram, who the team drafted second overall in 2016. However, according to recent reports, this reunion does not seem likely.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required), the Lakers are not pursuing a trade for Ingram.
“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 give any indication that the Lakers are looking to pursue him now. 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,” Fischer wrote.
Los Angeles Lakers Not Pursuing Reunion With Top Trade Candidate
The Likelihood of a Brandon Ingram Trade
Even if the Lakers are not involved, an Ingram trade seems inevitable. Many expected the New Orleans Pelicans to move on from his last offseason as he is in the final year of his contract. However, nothing came to fruition. Recently, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that Ingram is eying a max contract extension. However, according to Scotto, the Pelicans are unwilling to pay him that big of a contract.
“Ingram wants to land as close to a max contract in free agency as possible, while the Pelicans would prefer to pay him slightly above his current $36 million salary, league sources told HoopsHype. With the organization pledging to build around Williamson this past offseason, questions surrounding his fit alongside Ingram remain.”
Furthermore, ESPN’s Shams Charania recently said that Ingram wants to play in a “winning, competitive environment.” At 5-18, the third-worst record in the NBA, the Pelicans do not currently provide this type of environment. Additionally, even if they turn it around, the Pelicans do not pose as legitimate title contenders this season.
“I’m told Brandon Ingram wants to be part of a winning competitive environment.”@ShamsCharania with the latest on Brandon Ingram signing with Klutch Sports Group. pic.twitter.com/wgi9YIfXvP
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 3, 2024
Ingram is on an expiring contract and can help teams contending for a title right away. Nothing is imminent, but it seems that the Pelicans will trade the Duke alum this season.
The Last Word
In 17 games this season, Ingram is averaging 23.2 points on 46.8% shooting. Additionally, he is averaging 5.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. He is multiple seasons removed from his lone All-Star campaign. However, there is no denying that Ingram has a lot of value. On paper, he fits well in Los Angeles. He is a good scorer who can provide more offense to the team. Additionally, though it has been a while, Ingram is familiar with the Lakers organization. Nothing seems likely as it stands. However, a lot can change by the trade deadline.
