Way-too-early trade deadline targets if Lakers stumble in 2024-25

Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans

One of the biggest names who has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers is New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram. Ingram is entering the final season of his current contract and New Orleans has been reluctant to meet his asking price on a potential contract extension.

If the Pelicans get to the trade deadline and still haven't signed Ingram to an extension, then the Lakers are as viable an option as any team to swoop him and acquire him.

Ingram, who's still just 26 years of age, played three seasons with the Lakers before he was traded to the Pelicans as a part of the deal that sent Anthony Davis to Los Angeles. Since leaving the purple and gold, Ingram has established himself as one of the best all-around wings in the NBA.

In five seasons with the Pelicans, he's become an All-Star and the 2019 Most Improved Player award-winner, and has even emerged as a high-level facilitator.

During those five seasons in New Orleans, Ingram has accumulated averages of 23.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.8 three-point field goals made per game. He's done so while shooting .472/.372/.847, and averaged career-best marks of 24.7 points and 5.8 assists in 2022-23.

As the Lakers look for a player who can help bridge the gap between the aging superstars and the youth movement, Ingram could be the perfect fit in a full-circle moment.