Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram to miss at least two more games due to groin injury

Los Angeles Lakers small forward Brandon Ingram will remain on the pine for a little bit longer.

It appears like Los Angeles Lakers’ forward Brandon Ingram will remain sidelined longer than expected due to a strained left groin.

Around this time last week, the team predicted he would be out for about a week. However, recent indications from ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk tell a slightly different story. According to the ESPN report, Ingram will be out for at least another two contests.

The sophomore missed his fifth straight game on Sunday as Los Angeles rolled to a 127-113 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite that, though, the Lakers are a much better team with Ingram gracing the hardwood.

It is undeniable that Ingram has started to become the player many expected him to be last season. In 57 appearances, the young man is averaging 16.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. On the other hand, he averaged 9.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists a game as a rookie.

Much of Ingram’s success occurred while rookie Lonzo Ball recovered from an MCL sprain. Yahoo Sports’ Dan Devine reminds readers that the former took over the point guard duties at times as a result.

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Devine chips in just how superb Ingram was during Ball’s extended absence. Throughout that stretch, B.I. averaged 16.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists a night. Because of his efforts, he helped L.A. elevate in the standings.

Thus, it is safe to say Ingram has taken some huge steps forward during his second pro season. His ability to grasp onto the team’s reins over that period shows that he is evolving into a leader.

That being said, to learn that he will be on the pine a few more days at least is tough. His abilities extend far beyond what he can do on offense, for his length gives him a competitive advantage on “D.”

Via Youngmisuk, the Lakers’ medical staff looked at Ingram’s status Sunday evening. They plan to reexamine the 20-year-old’s physical state on Thursday.

In a piece written by Dr. Rajpal Brar, it is noted that Ingram’s original diagnosis was milder than is the actual case. Albeit it was initially coined a hip flexor injury, an MRI revealed something more.

Ingram’s strained groin occurred in the Lakers’ win over Miami on March 1. While driving to the basket, the Heat’s Justise Winslow gave B.I. a gut check to prevent him from scoring easily.

Brandon’s injury came at a not so ideal time for the purple and gold. At the very end of February, Josh Hart injured his off hand during a team practice. Hart’s injury required surgery and he could be out for the rest of the season.

Ingram and Hart are two crucial components of the Lakers’ young, budding core. However (no disrespect whatsoever to Hart), Ingram’s injury has been the tougher pill to swallow.

The Duke product has transformed himself into a reliable, go-to guy for L.A. as the year has progressed. Unlike last year, the 20-year-old consistently looks extremely confident every time he is on the court. Forget the stats—it is that factor that says a lot about Ingram’s growth.

In spite of Ingram’s absence, his replacement is no slouch. Kyle Kuzma has been starting in his teammate’s place and has enjoyed some decent performances over that block of time. Against Orlando this past Wednesday, for example, Kuzma put up a double-double. He managed to execute the same feat on Sunday evening.

Although Ingram’s groin injury is not severe, it stinks knowing that he will be gone longer than some wished. The Lakers were already shorthanded prior to his injury. Consequently, until he gets back, the team’s depth will continue to be challenged.

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Lakers’ fans can only hope that when Ingram is re-evaluated Thursday, no further setbacks emerge.