Los Angeles Lakers lose but Brandon Ingram shines vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Lakers locker room needs to follow Ingram’s lead for the rest of the season!

For the next eight days, there is a possibility that some of these players could easily be in New Orleans. To take my point even further, if the Lakers front office had its choice, they would rather have some of these players in New Orleans for Anthony Davis.

This could lead to a combustible vibe in the locker room. The tensions will be high for the next few games until the deadline, possibly even after.

If the deal does fall through and most of the roster intact, it is important that the players come out with the energy and focus that was sorely lacking in the first quarter of this game.

Not with Brandon Ingram! He came to play and showed it in one play.

Ingram competed and put the team on his back and carried them offensively all night!

There have been so many distractions over the year with LeBron James coming in and changing the mission statement of the franchise. So many obstacles to overcome with injuries, suspensions and constant changes in Luke Walton’s rotation patterns.

Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac, Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram are easily the assets the Lakers have to move along with every first round pick the Lakers have for the New Orleans Pelicans to even consider picking up the phone. It is tough on any NBA player having to deal with trade rumors the way these guys have for the last 24 hours through the next eight days.

There could be a level of resentment in the locker room no matter what happens past Feb. 7th. With the Lakers out of the playoff chase in the 9th position, the players are going to have to come together as a unit to make a run at the playoffs.

Brandon Ingram showed a lot of character in this game. With Kyle Kuzma out, playing a strong Eastern Conference team in Philadelphia, Ingram blocked out all of the distractions and played easily the best game of his short career. If he is traded out of Los Angeles, you can mark my words, the Lakers fans that consistently criticize the way he plays will regret it.

The Los Angeles Lakers are now past the halfway point in their long journey through the NBA season. Lake Show Life will be there every step of the way. Continue to check in for Lakers news, previews and reviews.