The Los Angeles Lakers picked up their second consecutive win on Sunday, defeating the New York Knicks, 127-107. In the victory, the Lakers welcomed back Brandon Ingram, who missed the team’s previous win over the Indiana Pacers.
Ingram suffered an ankle injury in the Lakers’ overtime victory against the Dallas Mavericks more than one week ago and has struggled to play since. He’s missed two of the last four games and has not been a major factor when suiting up.
After Sunday’s victory, Ingram admitted that he didn’t believe he was at full strength just yet. “It feels good right now. During the game it felt well. I don’t think I was 100 percent, but of course I’m not necessarily going to be 100 percent. It felt pretty good out there,” he said.
Ingram played only 24 minutes, well below his season average, and finished with 10 points and three assists. Regardless, the Lakers were able to come out victorious thanks in large part to the bench unit.
“The second group came in a did a really good job,” Ingram said after the win. “Corey Brewer locked in on his guy, Jordan Clarkson, Alex Caruso, and when we put Julius back in, he was a beast. And Larry Nance. Everyone contributed on the offensive and defensive end.”
Overall it was a great win for the Lakers who, despite welcoming Ingram back, was still without their starting backcourt of Lonzo Ball and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
The most important thing for the Lakers, however, is to return to full health. The team has struggled in that department and not having Ingram, arguably the best all-around player on the roster, is a difficult mountain to climb.
Ingram still won’t have much time to recover as the Lakers take the floor on Tuesday night against the Eastern Conference’s top team, and the Lakers greatest rival, the Boston Celtics. Los Angeles will then have two days off before beginning a five-game road trip.
WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION? CHECK OUT THE NEW LAKERSNATION FORUM CLUB