5 Former Teammates JJ Redick Can Bring to Lakers if Hired

Brandon Ingram

Perhaps a more intriguing member of the Pelicans who could join the Lakers is Brandon Ingram. A former teammate of JJ Redick in New Orleans like Naji Marshall, Ingram is rumored to be available on the trade market this summer.

Ingram is entering the final season of his contract. The Pelicans, who haven't been able to find the success they were hoping for with the CJ McCollum-Ingram-Zion Williamson trio, would presumably be unwilling to give him a massive contract extension that ties their books for the future. Instead, it would be a smart strategy for them to get whatever they can from their All-Star forward now.

At age 26, Ingram has long years of his prime ahead of him. He just played 64 games last season and averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. He has the skill set to carry the offensive load for the Lakers and help LeBron James and Anthony Davis conserve their energy for the postseason.

The Lakers would have to give up multiple first-round picks to acquire Ingram. They will also need to match Ingram's $36 million salary by using a combination of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves, and Jarred Vanderbilt's contracts.

Ingram had started his NBA career with the Lakers when he was the second-overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. His first stint in Los Angeles didn't work out too well until he was traded to the Pelicans in the Anthony Davis deal. This would give him an excellent chance to redeem himself under his former teammate JJ Redick.

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