NBA News: Ingram Bares How Anthony Davis Trade Had Lakers Young Guns On Their Heels

Brandon Ingram showed signs of promise when he started his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

But as most know, the 23-year-old moved to the New Orleans Pelicans in the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade deal in 2019.

It will be recalled that the second overall pick of the 2106 NBA Draft was also facing a cloud of uncertainty. He was dealing with deep vein thrombosis in his arm and missed the remainder of the 2018-19 season.

There was no telling if he could successfully return to NBA action, some even likening it to the case of retired NBA star Chris Bosh.

Given these circumstances, Ingram admitted that he and other young stars who were part of that trade went through anxious moments until the Davis trade was sealed.

The waiting was over when the Lakers and the Pelicans agreed to a trade on July 6, 2019. Ingram was traded alongside Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, picks and cash for the All-Star center.

“I know other guys around me, it killed them every day,” Ingram said on the Old Man and the Three Podcast. “When you wake up and you see your name on Twitter, and the guys around me, they love Twitter. They love searching, putting in their names.”

The Lakers went on to win the 2019-20 NBA title, yet another reason why insult was added to injury for Ingram and company.

But the good news is that the former Duke standout saw an awakening on his end. He was able to show his true worth and even got his first All-Star appearance. He was also named the 2020 NBA Most Improved Player.

With a new season underway, Ingram continues to show he is a superstar as most had speculated when he entered the league in 2016. In three games, he has averaged 26.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists.

These are big spikes in Ingram’s numbers from his first season with the Pelicans. He played in 62 games averaging 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists.

At the rate he is going, there is nowhere to go but up for the 6-foot-7 cager. There is no telling how long he will stick it out in New Orleans though he is branded as the new cornerstone of the franchise.