The Los Angeles Lakers have officially finalized its deal with Brandon Ingram by signing the young athlete. Aside from Ingram, Chinese basketball player Yi Jianlian also signed his contract with the Lakers.
According to NBA.com, Ingram signed his contract on Tuesday. This was confirmed through an announcement made by Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak. However, due to team policy, details of the deal were not revealed.
This means it is not yet clear of Ingram was offered a minimum or maximum contract. But, given Ingram's status during the 2016 NBA draft, he probably received a three-year deal with the Lakers.
Ingram signing with the Lakers came as a bit of a surprise especially it has been rumored that the Los Angeles organization is considering trading him. However, given the new development regarding his status as a professional basketball player, it seems the Lakers have no plans of losing their second overall pick.
As for Ingram, he previously said that he is targeting to be the upcoming season's Rookie of the Year.
"That's something that is on my mind," he told the Daily News. "All rookies want to win Rookie of the Year. That's something that drives me."
Despite his drive, Ingram knows that the 2016-2017 season will not be an easy year for the Lakers especially since they have a new coach. Luke Walton just joined the team earlier this year after serving as the assistant coach of Steve Kerr in the Golden State Warriors.
Still though, Ingam believes that the team will be able to work around these obstacles.
"We know we're not going to out and win 50 games this year and develop that chemistry right away," he said. "We know it's a process. We have a new coach. We'll have to continue to work hard each and every day."
"Hard work, developing chemistry, having good teammates and a good locker room," he added. "I think that's what a successful season is."
Aside from Ingram, the Lakers also have a new player that they signed earlier this week. As noted by The Salt Lake Tribune, Jianlian of the Guangdon Southern Tigers has just signed a contract with the Los Angeles franchise.
The last time the Chinese basketball player was in the NBA was in 2012, back when he played for the Dallas Nuggets.
