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Lakers Rumors: Luke Walton not concerned about Brandon Ingram

By Kenneth Teape

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 07: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against Hollis Thompson #31 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Clippers won 96-93 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 07: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against Hollis Thompson #31 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Clippers won 96-93 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Despite being shutdown for the remainder of the summer league, head coach Luke Walton isn’t concerned about Brandon Ingram.

Los Angeles Lakers rumors have slowed down in recent days. With the Las Vegas Summer League beginning, a lot of attention has been on the players participating there.

The Las Vegas Summer League has turned into a major event for NBA fans. The Lakers were one of the teams that fans were turning out in droves to see. UCLA star point guard Lonzo Ball was a huge draw, as he received huge cheers every time he touched the ball. Another person that people wanted to see was former Duke star, Brandon Ingram.

Ingram is entering his second year in the NBA. The second overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft struggled to begin his NBA career. He struggled to adjust to the NBA game, as he didn’t perform great prior to the All-Star break.

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Once the Lakers turned to a true youth movement, Ingram’s play picked up. The second half of the season was much better for Ingram. He played well enough to earn a spot on the NBA All-Rookie second team.

With such a strong finish to his rookie campaign, the Laker hoped he could carry that momentum over into his second season. The Lakers were so high on Ingram, he was considered the only untouchable player on the roster in trade talks leading up to the 2017 NBA Draft.

Coming into the summer, the Lakers were hoping to see an improved Ingram. He had been working on his jump shot during the offseason and received praise for the development. Los Angeles also hoped that Ingram would show some leadership. The first chance Ingram had to showcase this was in the Las Vegas Summer League.

Ingram was one of the players to watch for. Entering his second season, it was expected that Ingram would dominate. He did just that.

Ingram poured in 26 points in the Lakers first game of the summer league. But, things did not end well.

Ingram was forced from the game with cramps in his leg. He missed the game-winning shot attempt at the end of regulation, and then took a little while to get up. From the sideline, Magic Johnson said that he was done so he sat out overtime, which the Lakers eventually lost to the Los Angeles Clippers.

That was actually the last we would see of Ingram in Las Vegas. The Lakers shut down their second-year player after that injury scare. While it is disappointing that we won’t see Ingram play anymore in the summer league, it is the right decision. There is no reason to risk any more injury.

But, there is more to it than just cramps. According to Serena Winters of LakersNation.com and Spectrum SportsNet, Ingram also suffered an ankle sprain last week. The Lakers are being cautious, but head coach Luke Walton said he is not concerned about it.

Knowing that it isn’t anything major is good to hear. Ingram is going to be a big part of the Lakers this season and into the future. Risking that future for some exhibitions in Las Vegas makes little sense.

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Shutting down Ingram was the smart thing to do. He showcased in that first game that he has worked hard during the offseason as he was virtually unstoppable against a Clippers team that had some NBA veterans on the squad. Ingram didn’t have much more, if anything, to prove in summer league so shutting him down, even as a precaution, was a smart move.

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