Coinciding with the Los Angeles Lakers going through multiple stretches of impressive play this season has been the emergence of Brandon Ingram. The second-year forward has made the leap in his progression, even shining in a role as point guard.
Thursday’s game against the Miami Heat saw Ingram placed back in his natural position, as Lonzo Ball started for the first time since returning from a left MCL sprain. The Lakers otherwise were shorthanded, as Josh Hart is set for hand surgery and Corey Brewer bound for free agency.
With his rotation already shortened, Lakers head coach Luke Walton saw Ingram remain down on the ground after being fouled by Justise Winslow late in the game. Ingram walked gingerly as referees reviewed the contact before assessing Winslow a technical foul.
The Lakers called a timeout after Ingram’s free throw attempts, and he immediately went to the locker room with trainer Marco Nunez.
According to team reporter Mike Trudell, Ingram was diagnosed with a hip flexor strain and his availability for Saturday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs is in some doubt:
Ingram injury update: left hip flexor strain. He’s questionable for Saturday’s game at San Antonio. LAL are already short on the wing, so we’ll see how Ingram feels tomorrow.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 2, 2018
Ingram scored 19 points on 8-for-14 shooting to go with five rebounds, five assists and one steal and block apiece before exiting the game. The Lakers went on to win their fourth in a row, first in Miami since 2008, and have now passed last season’s win total.
If Ingram does miss time with his injury, L.A. will likely go small more often with three-guard lineups. There is also the chance Luol Deng could be dusted off from his season-long hiatus, as the veteran forward dressed in Miami for the first time in a while, although he didn’t play Thursday.
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