Blast from the Past: 4 realistic Lakers moves to reunite them with ex-players

1) Brandon Ingram

With their trade options limited, the Lakers could view New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram as the best player available. Ingram got his start in LA when he was selected second overall in the 2016 NBA draft but was included in the Anthony Davis trade that sent him to New Orleans. He became an all-star with the Pelicans but now they are open to moving him rather than committing to him long-term.

Thus far, teams have been hesitating to trade for him since they may have to pay him around $150 million to be able to retain him, which has depressed his trade value and gives the Lakers a chance to try and re-acquire him. There are two potential trade packages they could offer, with the first including D'Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Cam Reddish, and a 2029 top-3 protected first.

The second package could include Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent, along with a 2029 top-3 protected first. Either might be enough for the Lakers to acquire Ingram and land a third star while giving the Pelicans fair value, with them receiving at least two rotation players and a valuable, lightly protected future first-round pick. Therefore, an Ingram reunion seems to be a realistic option.