Can LA Lakers trade for Brandon Ingram? Closer look at possible packages for blockbuster reunion

New Orleans Pelicans star wing Brandon Ingram switched agencies, triggering speculation about his future. That includes the possibility of the soon-to-be free agent reuniting with superstar forward LeBron James on the LA Lakers.

On Sunday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Ingram is signing with Rich Paul's Klutch Sports Group. Paul famously represents James and his Lakers co-star Anthony Davis.

Ingram also has ties to LA after being drafted No. 2 by the organization in the 2016 NBA draft. He spent his first three seasons with the Purple and Gold, including one alongside James (2018-19), before being shipped to New Orleans in 2019.

The Pelicans have lost eight consecutive games, falling to a Western Conference-worst 4-17 record. Meanwhile, Ingram, operating on an expiring $36 million contract, has missed the last four outings due to right calf soreness.

So, between the Pelicans' struggles, Paul's Lakers ties and Ingram's impending 2025 free agency, LA could seemingly buy low on his services.

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LA Lakers' potential trade packages for Brandon Ingram

LA has several players on relatively moderate contracts it could package to match Brandon Ingram's $36 million expiring salary. Those include guards D'Angelo Russell ($18.7 million) and Gabe Vincent ($11 million), and forwards Rui Hachimura ($17 million) and Jarred Vanderbilt ($10.7 million).

The Lakers also have their coveted 2029 and 2031 first-round draft picks at their disposal.

A trade package featuring Russell and Hachimura, two proven veteran role players, in exchange for Ingram would work financially.

LA Lakers' potential Brandon Ingram trade package

Or if LA wants to retain Russell as its sixth man, it could package Hachimura alongside the oft-injured Vincent and Vanderbilt, and a first-rounder.

LA Lakers' potential Ingram trade package

However, given Ingram's extensive injury history, it's unclear if LA (12-8) would be willing to give up depth and draft compensation for him.

The one-time All-Star hasn't suited up in more than 64 games in a season since his rookie campaign (2016-17). Meanwhile, the Lakers are short on quality reserves, ranking second last in the NBA in bench scoring (24.5 points per game), making any deal risky.

Through 16 outings, Ingram is averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 0.8 steals and 2.4 3-pointers per game, shooting 46.5%.

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