In the midst of a stressful coaching search for the Los Angeles Lakers, a reunion with star Brandon Ingram may be in the works.
Ingram was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans for All-Star big man Anthony Davis following the 2019 season, but is now considered the top trade piece for general manager Trajan Langdon. Despite a down year, an anonymous Eastern Conference general manager believes Ingram joining the Lakers is within reason.
“It’s an idea, if they’re willing to take the chance,” the anonymous GM told Heavy.com's Sean Deveney. “Brandon as a third option with LeBron [James] and Anthony Davis, it certainly makes them better, it gets them back to being a contender, or at least in that orbit.”
One of LA's top priorities is catering to the desires of James, who could choose to leave the team this summer. If the front office acquires Ingram, the odds of the veteran superstar remaining on the roster increase. Championship contention is high on James' wish list, alongside playing with his son, Bronny James, and being coached by a promising figure (possibly retired guard and James' friend, JJ Redick).
The 26-year-old forward had arguably his worst campaign in a Pelicans uniform, averaging 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds on 49.2% shooting from the field and 35.5% shooting from 3-point range.
A safer approach is to make small acquisitions throughout the offseason, but that strategy didn't pan out when executed in 2023. The Lakers brought in contributors including Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, and Cam Reddish who underperformed, meaning a swing for the fences is more likely than ever.