After going through the NBA Summer League, a short stint with the USA Select Team and the NBA Rookie Transition Program, Brandon Ingram’s debut with the Los Angeles Lakers is still a couple of months away. Although Ingram has to wait a bit longer before playing his first NBA game in purple and gold, the 18-year-old has already made his first big purchase since being drafted by the Lakers.
In a short interview with ESPN’s Ian Begley, Ingram was one of five rookies asked about whether he’s made a big purchase since becoming an NBA player. Ingram, much like fellow rookie Buddy Hield of the New Orleans Pelicans, bought his mother a house:
I haven’t. But probably something for my family. Well, actually I just got my mom a house, and my dad. Probably a car for myself.
It was something I’ve always dreamed of. [My parents] provided so much for me, it was just a no-brainer. You always think about giving back to your family so, knowing that they did so much for me, I had to give back to them.
The four other rookies asked about their first major purchases as NBA players were Kris Dunn (Minnesota Timberwolves), Denzel Valentine (Chicago Bulls), Caris LeVert (Brooklyn Nets), and Hield. Three out of the five bought homes for their parents or siblings.
Although Ingram was able to buy a home for his mother and father, the rookie forward has yet to officially sign his contract with the Lakers. Ingram is the last rookie drafted in the first round who remains unsigned. The team appears to be holding off signing the second overall pick to keep their salary cap space open in the event they can sign or trade for another player.
Ingram will make his NBA regular season debut with the Lakers on Oct. 26 when the team hosts James Harden and the Houston Rockets at the Staples Center.
