Lakers Rumors: More interest in trading for depth than Brandon Ingram

After starting his career in purple and gold, Brandon Ingram has blossomed into a brand new player in New Orleans. No piece of the Anthony Davis trade aged better for the Pelicans than Ingram, who became an All-Star and one of the league’s bright young stars.

But once seen as an integral part of the franchise moving forward, things have changed for Ingram and the Pelicans. The two sides seem much closer to a separation than a future together with Ingram on an expiring contract.

New Orleans has been looking for a trade for Ingram, and with the Lakers in need of upgrades, the idea of ​​the two sides coming together to find a solution to their problems has simmered quietly in the background. They got a little higher over the last week when Ingram left his current agency for Klutch Sports likewise.

On Friday, Jake Fischer reported that the Lakers doesn’t seem interested in a deal for their former no. 2 draft picks.

Indeed, Ingram’s first NBA franchise is often whispered by scouts as a potential destination for the next Ingram trade, but I’ve gotten no indication that the Lakers are looking to pursue him now. All credible signals circulating about the Lakers suggest LA is looking to fortify its frontcourt and add perimeter defense to help LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

As Fischer reports, the Lakers need more depth, not less. To complete a trade for Ingram, the Lakers would have to trade away several role players. That just creates more problems, not less, especially with the salary cap if the team expects to sign Ingram after this season.

None of that speaks to the clumsy fit on the pitch either. LeBron and Ingram weren’t the most evenly matched last time they were teammates, and Ingram has struggled in New Orleans alongside a ball-dominant forward in Zion Williamson.

The Lakers are making the right call in terms of prioritizing depth, something they didn’t have much of coming into the season, and injuries have even let that down. A reunion with Ingram might be the fun move, but it’s not the logical one.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.