After being re-evaluated on Saturday, the Los Angeles Lakers announced Brandon Ingram was diagnosed with concussion-like symptoms and placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol. Ingram passed a preliminary test following Friday night’s loss and was said to have suffered a neck muscle contusion.
The league’s guidelines dictate Ingram must be monitored and will not be cleared for any activity until he is asymptomatic. The Lakers did not practice Saturday are back on the court Sunday for a matchup with the Sacramento Kings, a game in which Ingram cannot participate in.
He suffered the injury in what was just his second game back from a groin strain. Playing under a minutes restriction, Ingram scored 12 points to go along with three rebounds and six assists.
The sophomore forward was removed for good two minutes into the overtime period. Prior to that, Ingram appeared to suffer the injury on a foul play that sent him to the ground. Ingram remained down for a few seconds before gingerly rising to his feet.
Ingram’s injury combatted the return of Josh Hart, who had been out since undergoing surgery in late February to repair a fracture in his left hand. With only seven games remaining on the schedule, the Lakers face the possibility of closing out the season without their two best playmakers.
Lonzo Ball did not play Friday because of a left knee contusion, and it has not yet been made public when a return might come. Ball, who is considered day-to-day, is officially listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game.
