Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram has missed the last nine games. At first, the Lakers were still winning games without him. However, it's been clear that Ingram is not only the key to the team's success this season, but quite possibly the key to the future of the franchise.
The Lakers will have to wait just a little bit longer for Ingram's return, though. Mike Trudell of the Lakers and Spectrum Sportsnet reported Wednesday that Ingram did not participate in practice in New Orleans, and will therefore not play in Thursday's game.
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.
The Lakers have missed Ingram dearly. His length on both offense and defense is a significant boost to what they try to do on the floor.
He's another player that can close out games by getting a basket and free throw line or making a play for his teammates. In only his second year in the NBA, he has started to prove that the team can rely on him in big moments.
But with Ingram and others on the Lakers injured, it's been difficult for the team to practice with full speed and contact. They just don't have enough players for that right now. And that's the next step for Ingram to play in a game.
Before the Lakers embarked on their current road trip, Ingram said he was targeting New Orleans as a time when he could practice and hopefully get cleared to play. But it was always just a target, not a guarantee.
It's a good sign that Ingram on Wednesday did the most work he's done since getting hurt. That means he's on the right track.
With the season's end getting closer, the Lakers want him back as soon as possible so they can get as many wins as they can down the stretch.
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