The Lakers head into the 2024 NBA offseason already mired in change, having let go of coach Darvin Ham after only two seasons, and facing a big decision regarding potential free agent LeBron James. More changes are on the way after a disappointing first-round loss to the defending champion Nuggets in just five games.
Fortunately, L.A. has the contracts and assets to make some moves and reorganize the team. One goal is to reduce the scoring burden on James, who averaged 25.7 points in 71 games and took 17.9 shots per game during his 21st NBA season. These are the lowest numbers of his career, but still too many for a 39-year-old forward.
The Lakers received some of that from Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell, but both had trouble being consistent, so the team may want to combine their scoring roles into a third player behind James and Anthony Davis.
One possible option being discussed is, coincidentally, Brandon Ingram, James’ former Lakers teammate who was part of the package that brought Davis to L.A. in 2019. Ingram is currently with the Pelicans, and there are rumors that they are willing to trade him instead of extending his contract.
Would bringing Ingram back to the Lakers work? “It’s an idea, if they’re willing to take the chance,” said one Eastern Conference general manager. “Having Brandon as a third option with LeBron and Anthony Davis certainly improves the team and makes them contenders again, or at least gets them close.”
Brandon Ingram Has Struggled With Health
Ingram was the second overall pick for the Lakers back in 2016, and played three seasons in L.A., averaging 13.9 points. He was a key part of the package sent to New Orleans for Davis in the spring of 2019.
He has averaged 23.1 points in New Orleans, and earned an All-Star spot in his first season, but has had trouble staying on the court. He has missed nearly 30% of the Pelicans’ games (225 out of 318 games) over the last four seasons.
But Ingram, at 6-foot-8, can play multiple positions alongside James and Davis, if the Lakers pursue him.
“You keep him healthy, you’re careful with him, and he can carry you through. He is still young (Ingram is 26) … He is a wildcard. But we saw him, he played 30 minutes against Washington and scored 40 points. He did that twice (also against Toronto). When he is right, he is a devastating scorer,” said one Western Conference executive.
Lakers Would Have to Pay Sizable Next Contract
One advantage of getting Ingram is that it might not cost the Lakers too much in terms of assets. The team will have its first-rounder in 2025 (if the Pelicans take the 2024 pick) and picks in 2029 and 2031 to trade, but might not need to give up more than one selection, as the 49-win Pelicans look to make an immediate impact.
Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves heading to New Orleans for Ingram would be a solid foundation for a trade. The Lakers could add rookie Jordan Hood-Schifino to the mix, and could add a protected future first-rounder.
That’s because Ingram comes with baggage—namely, he is up for a four-year, $204 million extension that the Pelicans are reluctant to pay. New Orleans gave Ingram a five-year, $158 million extension in 2020.
“Anyone who trades for Ingram, you won’t have to give up a full package for a star player because he is often injured and expensive to keep,” the general manager said. “That’s why I believe the Lakers are a possibility for him. He will need to go to a team that can afford his salary.”
The Lakers are capable of doing that. When we consider the team’s near future, they might need to do so.
