Lakers Trade Value Claim Made About Brandon Ingram Amid Injury Issues

The Los Angeles Lakers still struggle with LeBron James due to his groin injury, and this has nothing on Brandon Ingram.

Paul Pierce says that LeBron’s struggles did not affect Brandon Ingram and his value. However, ESPN’s Kevin Arnovitz said that opinions on the young player within the NBA have sort of lowered this year.

Brandon Ingram had a strong rookie year last campaign, but could not find a way to play alongside LeBron James. King James commands dominance of the ball, and we understand that.

Fans said the 21-year-old player  can step up since the groin strain LeBron suffered on Christmas Day. However, Ingram’s success was mixed. The Lakers are 3-7 without their star player.

Pierce is almost positive that the current problems should not be an issue for the team and its major trades, including the one related to Anthony Davis.

“I don’t think it does anything to their value. For one they’re young players and they’re still trying to find their niche in the league. They’ve shown potential. Ingram, Ball, Kuzma, they’ve shown potential. You’ve just got to give them time to grow. As far as their value, it hasn’t really taken a hit. They’re just not winning games and in what situation do you really see a young team flourish and win?” Pierce said.

Arnovitz said: “I don’t think it’s ideal. You talk to executives around the league, you definitely feel like Ingram’s value – the possibility, the ceiling – has been lowered a little bit in the imaginations in some of the teams around the league.”

Pierce said it all

“Where do we really value Ingram at? Do we think you can get a franchise player for him? Maybe if you packaged him with a good piece but the Lakers don’t have a good piece. I think it’s hard because sometimes it’s about the situation you’re in, the coach,” Pierce responded.

“The perfect example of that is Victor Oladipo. He went to Orlando, he went to Oklahoma City, then he went to Indiana, he’s an All-Star, a superstar, probably the best two-way guard in the Eastern Conference. He was a top pick. We all knew the potential was there but it’s about who is going to unlock that and maybe that’s Brandon Ingram’s situation.”