6 Former Lakers the team could reunite with for 2024-25 season

4. Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans

The idea of a reunion between Brandon Ingram and the Los Angeles Lakers was recently floated out by an Eastern Conference executive. It's certainly an interesting idea, as Ingram has become an All-Star with the New Orleans Pelicans.

It's even more interesting when one considers the fact that NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported that the Pelicans are expected to, "Aggressively," explore the trade market for Ingram.

"Sure to be a popular topic in Chicago this coming week as front office executives, scouts, coaches and agents gather for the usual pre-draft frenzy of on-court drills, measurements, scrimmaging and interviews with prospective draftees: A growing belief leaguewide that Pelicans will aggressively explore the trade market for Brandon Ingram before next season."

In other words: Ingram is not only an intriguing option for the Lakers to consider, but all signs point towards the 26-year-old being available in trade discussions.

Ingram is coming off of yet another balanced season with averages of 20.8 points, 5.7 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 three-point field goals made per game. He's averaged at least 20.8 points in each of his five seasons since being traded by the Lakers to the Pelicans in 2019.

That includes 2022-23, when Zion Williamson appeared in just 29 games and Ingram averaged a career-high 24.7 points and 5.8 assists on .484/.390/.882 shooting.

In Los Angeles, Ingram could fit well with Anthony Davis and LeBron James as an unselfish playmaker who can shoot, pass, and put the ball on the floor. The aforementioned 2022-23 season offered strong proof of that potential, as the former No. 2 overall draft pick shot 41.7 percent on catch-and-shoot threes.

Seemingly available in trade discussions, and carrying a $36 million salary that the Lakers could find a way to match, Ingram is as realistic a reunion target as anyone on this list.