Things can’t go wrong anymore for the Pelicans this season. Oh wait! Hold that thought because it just got worse. Brandon Ingram has now registered his name on the injury list. The Pels already have the worst record in the Eastern Conference and the latest setback only means more trouble.

Shams Charania broke the news earlier today stating, “New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram has suffered a significant low left ankle sprain and is sidelined indefinitely, sources tell ESPN. Another significant injury blow to the Pelicans season.”

But the NOP aren’t the only ones feeling bummed out. The Lakers nation has joined in to panic over the situation, but obviously for a different reason. Ingram has recently switched to the Klutch Sports Group, an agency led by Rich Paul.

Since then, the Lakers trade buzz has kicked in due to Paul’s relationship with LeBron James. Talks have also emerged within the league about Ingram potentially looking for a way out and the LA side being the favorite destination. Lakers fans were dismayed by the injury news and didn’t shy away from making their feelings clear on X.

Lakers fans in dismay after Brandon Ingram injury news

“I’ve seen enough send him to the lakers for Gabe Vincent,” a fan wrote, demanding the trade happen as soon as possible despite the injury concern. Ingram is in the final year of his $158 million contract. With no offer on the table yet, Ingram is possibly heading towards free agency in the summer of 2025.

Trading him makes the most sense for the Pelicans at this point in time but his injury could deter potential suitors.

Another fan lamented “Nooooooo he was supposed to be a Laker.” With the Lakers lacking on the defensive end and the current run of poor form, fans are calling for a change. Given Rob Pelinka’s summer activities, a lot was left desired, and making a move for Ingram might give them the opportunity to salvage their season.

LeBron is already hinting at retirement and sooner rather than later, the time will come for the 39-year-old to call it a day. Hence, the window to win another chip is closing in fast and it’s up to the gold and purple to make their move.

A third fan commented, “So much for the Lakers trade.” While the timeline for the injury remains unclear, the word “significant” has its significance. The trade deadline is open till February and if there is any situation that leads to surgery, the return timeline might exceed the deadline.

Ankle sprains usually don’t require any procedure but, in the case of a grade 3 sprain involving a completely torn ligament, it requires surgery.

Whereas, a fan joked about Ingram’s disinterest in going back to the Lakers. “Maybe he just didn’t want to go back to the Lakers 😂,” the comment read. The 27-year-old spent 3 seasons with the Lakers before moving to the Pelicans in 2019. Since then, the forward has evolved into the player he is today.

This season, Ingram is averaging 22.2 points per game from a healthy 46.5% field shooting. With Zion Williamson out due to injury, Ingram has been their standout, but as things stand, they will have to cope without him for the foreseeable future.

But some fans were convinced that this injury was only foreshadowing his impending trade. “The official trade prep program. Securing the asset,” a fan wrote on Shams’ post on IG. During the Pelicans vs OKC Thunder game on Saturday, Ingram rolled his ankle when he landed on the foot of Lu Dort after attempting a jump shot.

This was the reason for his injury, but many believed he was being protected for the trade. Even if the injury is as severe as it seems, no rule in the NBA stops a team from trading an injured player.

The saga is surely one to keep an eye on. But don’t be surprised if Ingram dons another jersey after returning from injury. After all, it’s just good business.