Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Brandon Ingram injury: How Pelicans star’s latest injury could be a big blow for Lakers

His injury could also be a big setback for the Lakers who are targeting to reunite with the 2020 NBA All-Star.

Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram walked out from the Pelicans-Thunder game with a sprained ankle and didn’t return in the 119-109 loss. Ingram suffered a left ankle injury 17 seconds into the second half and was ruled out for the rest of the game.

What Happened to Brandon Ingram? How long will he be sidelined?

Ingram entered the fixture after scoring 29 points against the Suns while shooting 10 for 19. During the 2nd quarter, the 6-foot-8 forward rolled his ankle when he landed on the foot of Lu Dort after attempting a jump shot. His elbow struck Dort in the face and was whistled for an offensive foul.

Brandon Ingram had to be helped off the court after suffering an apparent ankle injury tonight.

Injuries suck man. pic.twitter.com/HIBwLQ5NXP
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 8, 2024

Ingram, who was held to five points on 1-of-4 shooting during his 19-minute stay, had to be helped off the floor and to the locker room. His absence allowed the Thunder to go all the way over the injury-riddled Pelicans with a 77-51 lead at halftime.

Pelicans fell to 5-18 in the West and injuries are giving them a major headache. New Orleans are missing key players like Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, CJ McCollum, and Dejounte Murray. With Ingram going out for an extended time, Pelicans are in deep trouble.

Ingram made a comeback against the Suns after missing five games due to right plantaris tendinitis and helped Pelicans to snap a nine-game losing streak. However, another injury on Saturday hurt Pelicans’ hopes of any comeback in the regular season.

How Ingram’s injury is a setback for Lakers!

Brendon Ingram’s injury could impact his trade value as the 27-year-forward already hinted at his departure from New Orleans next offseason. His injury could also be a big setback for the Lakers who are targeting to reunite with the 2020 NBA All-Star.

Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are two frontrunners to sign Brendon Ingram. The 27-year-old has earlier played with the Lakers for three years and the franchise are planning to reunite with the proven top-tier scorer.

Lakers are looking to add stability on frontcourt and need someone to assist LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Brendon Ingram recently joined Klutch Sports Group after leaving Excel Sports Management, which was reported by Shams Charania. Surprisingly, Rich Paul, the CEO of Klutch Sports, also represents LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram – currently set to be the top free agent in the 2025 offseason – is signing with Klutch Sports Group, sources told ESPN.

Story: https://t.co/WRSI7RVefk
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 1, 2024

The trade saga added a spark with the extension got shelved. New Orleans were not ready to accept Ingram’s demand of four-year, $200 million extension. As per report, Pelicans wanted to pay him around $40 million per year. Both parties eventually didn’t reach to an agreement.

Also Read: LeBron James on the verge of breaking another NBA all-time record

Brendon Ingram to choose short-term contract in free agency

Meanwhile, Ingram would be an expensive target for Los Angeles that has very finite trade assets. The fresh injury on Saturday may push Lakers to avoid reunion with the forward. Jake Fischer gives a big insight on Lakers’ interest in Pelicans star via Marc Stein’s Substack.

“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 given any indication that the Lakers are looking to pursue him now,” wrote Fischer.

Brandon Ingram getting hurt, seriously hurt (health-status to come later) at possibly the worst time….

Right around trade-season with his name as a marquee figure on the trade-block potentially for a star-talent upgrade for contenders.

Brutal!pic.twitter.com/54xkOWcXgb
— Ben Sig (@sig_50) December 8, 2024

Lakers maty step out and there are reports that all the teams who are looking to sign Ingram are not willing to match his long-term contract demands. Due to a lack of trade activity, Brendon Ingram is likely to choose a short-term contract in free agency.

Two days earlier, The Stein Line newsletter’s Jake Fischer reported that Ingram will be open to pursuing a short-term payday starting next season. Entered in his final year of the contract, Ingram is linked with Rich Paul-led Klutch Sports Group. ESPN’s Charania later reported that the Pelicans star hopes to look for a winning, competitive team at his next stop.

Brendon Ingram is averaging 23.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game this season in 17 games. He has been regarded one of the best scorer who had an average of 20 to 24 points per game over the last six seasons. He was the NBA All-Star in his first year with the Pelicans after spending three seasons with Lakers.

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.