There aren’t a whole lot of things that can get the entire NBA world buzzing, but the storybook Los Angeles Lakers debut of 32-year-old rookie Andre Ingram was one of them.
The G League’s all-time leader in made threes was a stick of dynamite to social media with his inspiring 19-point NBA debut in which he set a franchise record for most 3-pointers (four) by a player in their first game. drew congratulatory tweets from the likes of Kobe Bryant, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and more.
That’s why even though the Lakers lost 105-99 against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night, Andre Ingram would be excused for feeling like he’d really won after a surreal debut that saw Chris Paul congratulate him at midcourt when he first checked in and seemingly the entire NBA watching and raving about his first game.
Ingram’s performance even resonated with those not involved in basketball. Dodgers All-Star third baseman Justin Turner commended Ingram for his perseverance and setting an example for young children.
Below is a roundup of the best tweets that were inspired by Ingram’s performance.
S/O to Andre Ingram… That was inspirational my brotha! Keep it going. God’s got you!
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) April 11, 2018
LOVE IT https://t.co/H80FOjRuhm
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 11, 2018
Dre Ingram! I’m inspired!!!!!
— kuz (@kylekuzma) April 11, 2018
Not the result we wanted.. but words can’t describe how happy I am for Dre !! Amazing night for an exceptional human being ????????
— Alex Caruso (@ACFresh21) April 11, 2018
AMAZING. #TheRealIngram https://t.co/YRSWRCKqJB
— Lonzo Ball (@ZO2_) April 11, 2018
Andre Ingram! What a night man.
— Tyler Ennis (@TylerEnnis) April 11, 2018
Big time shout out to Andre Ingram and his big night with the @Lakers. Just became a hero to a lot of kids out there. #Neverquit #Bededicated #Attitudeiseverything #NBA (I’ll get back in my lane now)
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) April 11, 2018
Ingram’s NBA debut was one of the most heartwarming stories of the entire season, and has been a long time coming for the 10-year veteran. It’s unknown where he’ll go from here, but he’s certainly captured the league’s singular attention in a few can ever manage, and made the end of another injury-riddled season worth watching in L.A.