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Before becoming an All-Star with the New Orleans Pelicans, Brandon Ingram spent the first three seasons of his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. It should be obvious to anyone who follows basketball, but Ingram has seemingly forgotten his time with the Lakers.
It must be, because how else to explain this quote from Ingram Wednesday? Asked how he and Zion Williamson made All-Star teams at such a young age, Ingram responded by saying, “I’ve never played with a player as talented as I am.”
Brandon Ingram on him and Zion having been All-Stars for the past two years and being on the same team: “I have never played with a player as talented as I am. He is a generational talent.”
– Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) 25 February 2021
That quote should raise a few eyebrows, as Ingram … uh … played with LeBron James. The two were teammates for a season before Ingram was traded to the Pelicans in exchange for Anthony Davis.
If Ingram’s quote was intended as a dig, it seems he’s still upset to be involved in this trade. James pushed for the Lakers to acquire Davis, and it was speculated that Ingram would be included in any deal. It wasn’t a big secret, as fans chanted “LeBron will trade you” to Ingram during a match.
Alternatively, the quote can be read as praise for Williamson, who made the All-Star squad for the first time in his career this season. Williamson is averaging 25.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in his second season, and is considered a future NBA star. Ingram – who made the All-Star squad last season – is confident he and Williamson can lead the team to success on the road.
Even if Williamson becomes the best player in the NBA over the next five years, Ingram’s quote still reads like a shot against James.
Brandon Ingram excelled in New Orleans
The time away from James did wonders for Ingram’s production. He’s stepped up his game with the Pelicans, averaging 23.9 points since joining the team last season. Ingram has averaged just 13.9 points in three seasons with the Lakers.
However, Ingram’s performance has yet to result in many wins. The Pelicans were 30-42 last season and 14-17 this year. Between Ingram and Williamson, the team have a lot to be excited about moving forward, but still need more help before the Pelicans are seen as a contender in the West.
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