The Los Angeles Lakers have lost three straight and seven of their last nine to fall to 12-11 on the season. They are currently tenth in the Western Conference and clinging to the final Play-In Tournament berth. Head coach JJ Redick upgraded the offense, but fans knew this roster was not a title contender. The Lakers ran it back after finishing seventh in the West and desperately need an upgrade.
Los Angeles cannot return more money than they send out in a trade, but they have contracts to move. D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent make a combined $46.7 million if the Lakers want to go star hunting.
They have often been linked to a Brandon Ingram reunion. The Lakers drafted him second overall in 2016 and sent him to New Orleans in the Anthony Davis trade. Ingram is an elite scorer and All-Star, but the latest rumor suggests the franchise is taking a different path.
Jake Fischer reported the Lakers are not looking to pursue Ingram (subscription required). They have their sights set on adding a big man and perimeter defense before the Feb. 6 trade deadline per the scribe.
This news should not shock fans. Ingram was available all summer. He is in the final year of his current contract and wants a max deal. The Pelicans were unwilling to meet his price. BI will be an unrestricted free in the offseason and will get a massive payday from some team. It will likely fall short of a max contract, but Fischer says New Orleans was willing to offer $40 million per season.
The Lakers would be wise to steer clear of Ingram. The 6’8 forward has made just two playoff appearances in his first eight years in the NBA, and Ingram struggled mightily after reaching that stage in 2024. He does not solve the Lakers' defensive woes and his usage will certainly take possessions away from LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves.
LA needs upgrades before the deadline, but Rob Pelinka should avoid star hunting. The Lakers are already thin and a blockbuster trade would further damage their depth. That goes double for acquiring Ingram. Giving up multiple pieces for a fringe All-Star does not make the franchise a title contender.
The Los Angeles Lakers will be active and aggressive before the trade deadline. Rob Pelinka remade their roster in 2023 and helped push them to the conference finals. Can he pull a repeat? Fans hope so, but it is a tall task for the front office. There will be plenty of rumors, so stay tuned for all the latest.