The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to Brandon Ingram in trade rumors for roughly seven months. More often than not, when a player and franchise are mentioned for that length of time, it's all but inevitable that a deal will materialize.
in the case of Ingram and the Lakers, however, a reunion appears to be more of a dream than a realistic occurrence in 2024-25.
Ingram was selected by the Lakers at No. 2 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, immediately becoming the player whom many labeled as the franchise's new primary building block. He was included in the trade for Anthony Davis in 2019, but rumors have persisted over the past year that he could return to Los Angeles.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Lakers aren't quite as interested in bringing Ingram back as some might've presumed and are instead prioritizing perimeter defense and interior depth.
"Ingram’s first NBA franchise is indeed whispered often by scouts as a potential destination for the next Ingram trade, but I haven’t been any indication that the Lakers are looking to pursue him now. All credible signals circulating about the Lakers suggest that L.A. is looking to fortify its frontcourt and add perimeter defense to assist LeBron James and Anthony Davis."
It might be disappointing to some that Ingram won't be returning to the Lakers, but the report reveals a far more responsible approach to team-building.
Lakers prioritizing depth over star power, disregarding Brandon Ingram
Ingram is a compelling player to consider as a well-rounded wing who can offer a bit of everything alongside Davis and LeBron James. He could come in and fill the role of a third star while also giving Los Angeles a player to build with once James retires.
For as intriguing an option as that may be, the Lakers have wisely prioritized the cultivation of a deeper and more balanced rotation.
Los Angeles is one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA, ranking No. 24 in offensive rebounds and No. 26 in second-chance points allowed per game. It's also No. 23 in opponent three-point field goals made and No. 27 in defensive rating.
Fans should applaud the Lakers for prioritizing those glaring weaknesses over a flawed pursuit of a third star who won't directly address either of those issues.
By bringing in a quality center, such as rumored target Jonas Valanciunas, the Lakers could limit second chances and create more efficient offense when the stars aren't on the court. Prioritizing perimeter defense will also make the Lakers' offensive production more of a strength and less of a requirement.
Ingram would help bolster the perimeter and give the team a quality option in every phase of the game, but he'd be doing so at over $36 million—more than the Lakers may otherwise pay for multiple trade targets.
Valanciunas, for instance, is due to make just $9.9 million during the 2024-25 season. That low-cost salary would open the door for Los Angeles to potentially execute a trade for the ideal interior presence and maintain the flexibility to acquire a quality perimeter defender.
By prioritizing the need to fill multiple areas of weakness over adding another star, the Lakers are finally taking steps in the right direction and aspiring to build a sustainable product.