Lakers Rumored Trade Target Would Be A Major Mistake
By Cem Yolbulan
The Los Angeles Lakers lost three straight and seven of their last nine games. Sitting at 12-11 for the season, it's clear that this team is no different than the mediocre team we saw under Darvin Ham last year.
That shouldn't come as a surprise to Lakers fans since the team didn't make any improvements to the roster in the offseason. LeBron James is a year older and slower, Anthony Davis has taken a few steps back on the defensive end, and the rest of the roster is among the worst in the league in terms of supporting casts.
The expectation from the fans for the front office has long been trading for a third star next to LeBron and AD. Recently, Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram's name has emerged as a potential trade target. NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the buzz around the league is that the Lakers are seen as potential suitors for the All-Star scorer. This, however, would be a big mistake.
Lakers Shouldn't Trade for Brandon Ingram
NBA scouts believe the Lakers could emerge as a potential trade destination for Brandon Ingram, per @JakeLFischer
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 6, 2024
“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… pic.twitter.com/TBnbsLCnu7
Ingram is a very good basketball player. He is an all-around forward with good size, playmaking ability, and scoring versatility. He would almost certainly help the Lakers.
At the same time, there are serious concerns about Ingram's fit, availability, and contract situation. Ingram is a better on-ball player than off-the-ball. He is a mid-range savant and doesn't love taking catch-and-shoot threes. He is also not the ideal perimeter defender you want next to LeBron and AD.
Ingram has also never played 65 games in a season since his rookie year. He is a good bet to miss at least 20 games each season due to injuries and considering the availability concerns for LeBron and AD, that could be a big problem for the Lakers.
Furthermore, Ingram's contract expires at the end of the season, and the Lakers will need to give him a contract extension. Giving up multiple first-round picks to give Ingram- a sub-All-Star level player in most years- an annual salary of over $40 million for multiple seasons is not the best idea.
The Lakers need to add more shooting, athleticism, and defense. Ingram doesn't solve any of those concerns sufficiently enough to be worth the price it would take to acquire him.
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