Joining LeBron and AD? Brandon Ingram Signs with Klutch Sports, Sparks Lakers Reunion Speculation

NBA insider Shams Charania recently dropped a major bombshell: Brandon Ingram, the New Orleans Pelicans star and one of the most intriguing potential free agents of 2025, has signed with Klutch Sports. For fans and insiders, Klutch Sports needs no introduction. The agency, founded by Rich Paul, represents numerous top-tier players, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and has been a significant ally of the Los Angeles Lakers in recent years.

Klutch Sports and the Lakers Connection

Klutch Sports is synonymous with the Lakers’ recent history. Since 2017, over 15 Klutch Sports clients have donned the purple and gold, including marquee names like LeBron and AD, as well as role players such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn, and Lonnie Walker IV. Beyond player representation, the agency has been instrumental in pivotal moves for the Lakers, including bringing LeBron to Los Angeles in 2018 and orchestrating Anthony Davis’ blockbuster trade in 2019.

This deep-rooted relationship fuels speculation whenever a Klutch client is in the spotlight. The latest example is Trae Young, whose ties to Klutch have repeatedly linked him to the Lakers in trade rumors. Similarly, Zach LaVine has been floated as a potential Lakers target in recent offseasons. Now, with Ingram officially signing with Klutch Sports, many believe he could be the next star on the Lakers’ radar.

Ingram's Current Situation

Brandon Ingram’s signing comes amid ongoing uncertainty about his future with the Pelicans. Reports suggest that New Orleans has considered trading Ingram due to stalled contract extension talks. The Utah Jazz have been mentioned as a potential suitor, but Ingram’s hesitance to commit to an extension has cooled those discussions.

On the court, Ingram’s performance this season has been steady but unspectacular. He has appeared in 16 games, averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 33.7 minutes per game. His shooting splits—46.5% from the field, 36.4% from three, and 83.0% from the free-throw line—result in a true shooting percentage of 55.3%, a decline from last season’s 57.8%.

While Ingram has increased his scoring output compared to last year’s 20.8 points per game, his efficiency has dipped. A notable change is his reliance on three-point shooting, with attempts rising from 3.8 per game last season to 6.7 per game this season. However, his free-throw attempts have plummeted to 2.9 per game, the lowest mark since his rookie season.

The Challenge of Living Up to Expectations

Ingram’s potential has never been in question. A versatile scorer with the ability to operate at all levels, he has proven his mettle as a reliable offensive option, evidenced by six consecutive seasons averaging over 20 points per game. However, his ceiling has been a topic of debate.

After winning the Most Improved Player Award and earning his first All-Star nod in 2020, expectations for Ingram skyrocketed. Yet, he has not returned to the All-Star stage since, and his development has plateaued in the eyes of many observers. Often compared to Kevin Durant early in his career due to similar skill sets and physical profiles, Ingram has struggled to bridge the gap between potential and production.

This season underscores the dilemma. With the Pelicans battling a slew of injuries, Ingram has been thrust into a leading role. While his numbers—23 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game—are respectable, they lack the transformative impact one would expect from a star. New Orleans has a dismal 4-12 record in games he has played, reflecting limited team success under his leadership.

Why the Lakers Make Sense

A potential reunion with the Lakers could be a turning point for Ingram. At 27 years old, he is no longer a young prospect but a player entering his prime. Pairing him with LeBron James and Anthony Davis could create a formidable trio capable of contending in the Western Conference.

From the Lakers’ perspective, Ingram offers a blend of shot creation, floor spacing, and size that complements their core stars. His familiarity with the franchise—having been drafted second overall by Los Angeles in 2016—adds an emotional element to the narrative.

The Challenges

However, there are significant obstacles to such a move.

1. Trade Packages

What assets could the Lakers realistically offer for Ingram? The Pelicans would likely demand premium draft picks or valuable young players. While the Lakers have some intriguing pieces, such as Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, it’s unclear if they would be willing to part with them. Veterans like D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent are less appealing to a rebuilding or retooling Pelicans squad.

2. Contract Negotiations

Ingram’s next contract looms as a critical factor. If he insists on a maximum contract, the Lakers would face difficult financial decisions. Locking in three max players—LeBron, AD, and Ingram—could limit their flexibility to build a competitive roster around them.

A Reunion in the Cards?

Ingram’s connection to Klutch Sports only adds fuel to the fire. While there is no concrete indication that a move to Los Angeles is imminent, the synergy between Klutch and the Lakers makes it a plausible scenario. As the trade deadline approaches and the Pelicans evaluate their long-term direction, Ingram’s future will remain a hot topic.

For now, Lakers fans can only speculate. But given the agency’s history of facilitating marquee moves, it wouldn’t be surprising if Brandon Ingram finds himself back in a Lakers jersey sooner rather than later.