After both Brandon Ingram and Lakers fans patiently waiting, Tuesday is the day they’ve all been waiting for
After receiving the honor of being drafted with the second overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Los Angeles Lakers rookie Brandon Ingram will be noted as being the last first round pick in his class to sign with his team. For exactly two months, Ingram’s signing has been put on hold. This has led many to believe that the Lakers were gearing up for a blockbuster trade, maybe including Ingram. Even fellow rookie Ivica Zubac had already signed his deal earlier in the summer.
However, all speculation can be put to rest. The day after the Lakers officially inked deals with forward Zach Auguste and Chinese big-man Yi Jianlian, it appears the 6-9 rookie from Duke will be next. According to Shams Charania of The Vertical, the LA plans to make the Ingram deal official on Tuesday.
This should complete what has been a busy, yet productive offseason for the team. The Purple and Gold have already come to terms with their other team additions from the summer, including the two most recent in Auguste and Jianlian. The only other predictable move the Lakers could make in the near future would be finding a deal for forward Nick Young. Otherwise, unless general manager Mitch Kupchak has another surprise up his sleeve, this roster should be ready for training camp in September.
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The Lakers will need Ingram to mesh with his new teammates to help restore a winning culture within the organization. After only winning 17 games last year, the rookie will be a key part of LA’s youth movement. With Kobe Bryant recently praising Ingram for his skills and talent, there will be a lot of pressure on Ingram to deliver. Ingram will officially suit up for the Lakers for the first time on October 4, the team’s first preseason game against the Sacramento Kings.