When the Los Angeles Lakers departed for a four-game road trip there was hope Brandon Ingram would re-join them on the court at some point. He’s been sidelined since March 3 due to a groin strain but had steadily increased his level of activity on the court.
Ingram was optimistic he would return on the road trip, though last Monday’s game against the Indiana Pacers had already been ruled out. Lakers head coach Luke Walton acknowledged Thursday was a possibility, as it would allow for Ingram to first go through a practice.
But while there continues to be improvement, including the sophomore forward doing the most activity he has since suffering the injury, Ingram wasn’t able to practice and therefore won’t play against the New Orleans Pelicans, per Mike Trudell :
Brandon Ingram didn’t practice today, so he’ll be out for tomorrow night’s game in New Orleans. He was a little sore from yesterday’s workout he went through, in which he did the most he’s done since getting hurt, per Luke Walton.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 21, 2018
The Lakers went 4-2 in their first six games without Ingram, but have since gone on a three-game slide. His absence has also been compounded by Josh Hart being sidelined while recovering from hand surgery, and Kyle Kuzma missing one game due to a sprained ankle.
Ingram leads the Lakers with 16.2 points per game, to go along with 5.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 46.9 percent shooting. He’s made considerable strides from his rookie season, including filling in at point guard while the Lakers were without Lonzo Ball.
