The Los Angeles Lakers have been in a slump, specifically defensively. After starting off the season hot, and perhaps surprising a lot of fans with their play night in and night out and the strategic coaching of JJ Redick, they have crashed back down to earth and now sit at 9th in Western Conference at 12-10.
The trade deadline is not until February, but the Los Angeles Lakers have been the subject of many rumors quantifying how they can improve the roster.
While they have struggled mightily defensively as of late, it is clear that they need another pure scorer to aid LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
One formidable scoring threat that has popped up in the rumor mill and has been linked to the Lakers is a family face. Former number two overall pick Brandom Ingram.
Will Los Angeles Lakers Pursue Brandon Ingram?
Per Bovada Official, the Lakers are the favorite to acquire Ingram in a potential trade sitting at +400. The Heat have the next-best odds at +500, and the Los Angeles Clippers come in third at +600.
So far this season, Ingram is averaging 23.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.
Aside from a scoring threat, the Lakers need a true Center as Davis has mentioned many times that he is more comfortable on the wing as a forward. Ingram is a forward as well, so he would not fill this need, but at 6’8, he would add more size to the floor.
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However, it looks like this rumor may be just that.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers are “whispered often by scouts” as a potential destination for the former 2nd overall draft pick, but there isn’t “any indication” that the team is actively looking to trade for him.
Stein went on to say that the Lakers are focusing on frontcourt help as well as perimeter defense to aid LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
While a reunion with Ingram could be fun, and his scoring ability would certainly help the frontcourt, focusing on the backcourt and the defense is the way for Rob Pelinka and Co. to go.
There will certainly be plenty more trade rumors as the season rolls on, especially if the Lakers continue to struggle.