Former Lakers draft pick Brandon Ingram is on the trade block by the Pelicans, but the likelihood of a homecoming is reportedly small.
After starting his career in purple and gold, Brandon Ingram has blossomed into quite the player in New Orleans. No piece of the Anthony Davis trade aged better for the Pelicans than Ingram, who became an All-Star and one of the league's bright young stars.
However, once seen as an integral part of the franchise moving forward, things have changed for Ingram and the Pelicans. The two sides seem much closer to a separation than a future together with Ingram on an expiring contract.
New Orleans has been searching for a trade for Ingram and with the Lakers in need of upgrades, the idea of the two sides coming together to find a solution to their problems has simmered quietly in the background. They got a bit louder over the last week when Ingram left his current agency for Klutch Sports as well.
On Friday, Jake Fischer reported that the Lakers don’t seem interested in a deal for their former No. 2 draft pick.
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.
As Fischer reports, the Lakers need more depth, not less. In order to complete a trade for Ingram, the Lakers would need to trade away multiple role players. That just creates more problems, not fewer, especially regarding the salary cap if the team expects to sign Ingram to a contract after this season.
None of that speaks to the on-court clunkiness of the fit, too. LeBron and Ingram wasn’t the smoothest of fits last time they were teammates and Ingram has struggled in New Orleans alongside a ball-dominant forward in Zion Williamson.
The Lakers are making the right call in prioritizing depth, something they had little of coming into the season and injuries have even sapped that. A reunion with Ingram might be the fun move, but it isn’t the logical one.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.
