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Duke Basketball: Brandon Ingram shines in return to Lakers lineup

By Kevin Connelly

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 31: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of a game at Staples Center on October 31, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 31: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of a game at Staples Center on October 31, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers got a boost to its lineup on Friday night as former Duke Basketball star Brandon Ingram returned after an injured ankle.

Brandon Ingram had missed seven straight games with an ankle injury, but he made his return to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night to face the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Lakers were in the midst of a two game losing streak and losers in three of its last four games, and Brandon Ingram was just the thing the Lakers needed to get back to its winning ways.

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Ingram was injured in the first quarter on December 5 against the San Antonio Spurs but on Friday night, the former Duke star freshman made his return to the hardwood, scoring 18 points in 33 minutes of action.

The third year player also grabbed seven rebounds, two assists, and a steal in the Lakers 112-104 victory.

Ingram was Los Angeles’ third leading scorer behind Kyle Kuzma, 23, and LeBron James, 22.

The second overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft made six of his fourteen shot attempts, but missed both his shots from 3-point range. Ingram also made six of his eight attempts from the free throw line and finished with a +16 +/- rating, the second best on the team behind Lonzo Ball, +18.

Ingram was no the only Laker to return from injury on Friday night as point guard Rajon Rondo was back on the floor after a wrist injury and he chipped in eight points in the Lakers victory.

Brandon Ingram is now averaging 15.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game as the Lakers are currently 19-13, which is good enough for No. 5 in the Western Conference, two and a half games out of the No. 1 seed in the West.

The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Memphis Grizzlies at 9:30 pm on December 23 before the showdown on Christmas Day between the Lakers and the Golden State Warriors from Oracle Arena at 8:00 pm ET on ABC.

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