The Los Angeles Lakers are not expected to make a significant trade for New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram, according to insider reports.
Fans have been anticipating a major move this offseason, but The Athletic’s Jovan Buha suggests the Lakers will likely take a patient approach.
On the July 16, 2024, edition of the “Buha’s Block” podcast, Buha mentioned that the Lakers are unlikely to pursue trades for Ingram or Utah Jazz big man Lauri Markkanen. “I don’t see them having enough for Lauri Markkanen,” Buha explained. “I’ve not heard of any interest in Brandon Ingram. So, I don’t see them going for those two guys.”
Ingram’s Contract Situation
Ingram is entering the final season of a five-year, $158.2 million contract and seems to be seeking a new lucrative deal. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Pelicans have not offered Ingram a maximum contract, and there doesn’t appear to be a significant market for him given recent team transactions.
The Lakers traded Ingram to the Pelicans in 2019 as part of the deal that brought Anthony Davis to Los Angeles.
Lakers’ Trade Strategy
The Lakers face their own salary cap challenges and are cautious about adding another large contract like Ingram’s. Ingram, the No. 2 pick in the 2016 NBA draft, spent his first three seasons with the Lakers.
With Markkanen and Ingram seemingly off the table, the Lakers are likely to explore other options. There have been rumors linking them to stars like Klay Thompson and DeMar DeRozan, but fans might need to adjust their expectations towards less flashy role players.
Buha noted in a July 16 article that the Lakers are willing to wait for the right trade opportunities, potentially lowering asking prices and addressing salary cap concerns. “The Lakers have made it clear they’re not going to trade just to trade. They want it to be purposeful,” Buha stated.
The team may only have a few more chances to make significant moves with LeBron James and Anthony Davis still on the roster. Therefore, the bar for trading one of their first-round picks, let alone two, remains high.
