Brandon Ingram gives Lakers glimmer of hope that reunion is possible

The 2016 NBA Draft was meant to mark the beginning of a new era in Los Angeles Lakers history. With the second overall selection, Los Angeles took Duke Blue Devils star Brandon Ingram, thus landing a player who many believed would become a new franchise cornerstone.

Ingram was instead traded for Anthony Davis in a deal that would ultimately give the Lakers its first championship in a decade—but the door hasn't been slammed shut on their shared history.

Ingram, 27, has become one of the most well-rounded and productive players in the NBA since Los Angeles sent him to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019. He's averaged 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game in New Orleans, and earned the Most Improved Player award in 2019-20.

According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, Ingram's success has prompted his belief that he should earn in the range of max-level money—a far cry from what New Orleans is looking to pay him.

"Ingram wants to land as close to a max contract in free agency as possible, while the Pelicans would prefer to pay him slightly above his current $36 million salary, league sources told HoopsHype."

Later in Scotto's report, it was revealed that a rival executive believes that the Pelicans will choose to trade Ingram to avoid losing him in free agency for nothing.

"One of the NBA executives told HoopsHype, 'New Orleans should move McCollum, and they’ll likely move Ingram for another proven player.'"

With this in mind, the door has officially opened for the Lakers to cash in on the golden opportunity to reunite with their former first-round draft pick.

Brandon Ingram, Pelicans far apart in trade talks, opening door for Lakers

Ingram will become an unrestricted free agent in 2025, which is the driving force behind the belief that he could be traded. Talent isn't a question, but New Orleans' other financial commitments have created concern in the front office as far as re-signing him on a near-max-level deal is concerned.

In 2025-26, CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, and Zion Williamson will all make upwards of $30 million, while Trey Murphy II will see $25 million and Herb Jones will receive just under $14 million.

The talent in New Orleans is undeniable, with Ingram rounding out one of the most captivating cores in the NBA. Unfortunately, the franchise hasn't won a playoff series since 2018 and was unceremoniously swept out of the postseason in 2023-24.

Until the team sees consistent results from its expensive core of players, it's likely to remain reluctant to give a max-level salary to Ingram and effectively push itself into the second apron.

With this in mind, the Lakers could have a golden opportunity on their hands. Trading for Ingram won't be cheap, but Los Angeles could offer a package that centers around Rui Hachimura and D'Angelo Russell's expiring contract, with draft compensation thrown in to get the deal over the finish line.

In that scenario, New Orleans would acquire affordable depth, salary relief, and future picks, while Los Angeles would bring in a potential co-star for Davis and LeBron James.

Ingram's style of play would enable James to carry less of a burden from a scoring and facilitating perspective. It would also complement Davis, creating a low-high balance between unselfish players who are willing to create for themselves or those around them.

The question, of course, would be how willing the Lakers would be to give a max-level salary to a third player—thus pushing them into the second apron themselves.

In saying that, a lineup of Davis, Ingram, James, Dalton Knecht, and Austin Reaves would be undoubtedly intriguing. Los Angeles would have three high-level playmakers, five productive scoring threats, and would essentially create a better version of its current core.

It's unclear if the Lakers can put together a better package than other potentially interested franchises, but with Ingram signing with Klutch Sports, the layers of intrigue run deeper than ever before.