Brandon Ingram revisits his early years with the Los Angeles Lakers, reflecting on the chaotic Rondo–Chris Paul scuffle that unfolded in front of Nipsey Hussle and Floyd Mayweather, and the unrealized potential of the 2018–19 team. Ingram explains why that talented but inexperienced roster, led by LeBron James and a rising young core, had the pieces to make a playoff run before injuries changed everything.
Brandon Ingram reflects on his time with the Lakers, including the unforgettable 2018 Rondo–Chris Paul scuffle and the team’s untapped potential.
During his NBA career, Brandon Ingram has grown from a skinny young player in Los Angeles into a top scorer, showing calm, quiet confidence. Even as his career has progressed, his early years with the Los Angeles Lakers remain an important part of his story, full of pressure, hope, and memories he will never forget.
In a recent interview with veteran journalist Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson, Ingram remembered one of the wildest nights of his time with the Lakers. He also thought about how that 2018–19 team never reached its full potential.
The Night Staples Center Stood Still
When Scoop B asked Ingram about the infamous scuffle between Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul, which spilled into one of the most surreal courtside scenes in recent NBA history, Ingram’s response was characteristically understated.
“I didn’t really know what was happening in the moment,” Ingram said. “I never had a long conversation with Nipsey—I think I may have shaken his hand a few times at games—but I think he just wanted to see what was going on. It was just one of those wild moments.”
The October 2018 game between the Lakers and Rockets was memorable not only for the fight but also for the celebrities in the crowd. Nipsey Hussle and Floyd Mayweather were courtside, highlighting how basketball, hip-hop, and celebrity culture mix in Los Angeles. For Ingram, however, the moment was more confusing than dramatic.
This was a key moment early in the season. The Lakers were energetic and hopeful, still trying to find their identity as a team. At only 21, Ingram was learning to perform well and stay calm, a lesson that would shape his career.
Growing Up Under the Lakers Spotlight
The NBA development process for young players in Los Angeles is unique. Every game is scrutinized, every mistake is analyzed, and every improvement is scrutinized. Ingram was drafted second overall in 2016 and was immediately burdened by the expectations of wearing purple and gold.
Ingram and the Lakers’ young core were not expected to contribute to winning by the 2018–19 season. The roster was a fascinating mix of young and experienced players, blending rookies with veterans who knew how to play in the playoffs. That balance, however, was fragile.
When LeBron Went Down
Scoop B asked Ingram about a question that Lakers fans still discuss years later: would the team have made it to the Finals if LeBron James hadn’t suffered a groin injury on Christmas Day?
Before answering honestly, Ingram chuckled.
“I don’t know if we would’ve made the Finals, but I will say we were a very talented team,” he said. “We had our young core in their second and third years—Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac. We had LeBron, Rondo, and Michael Beasley. It was a smart group. We would have had a chance, but we were also pretty inexperienced.”
Everything was affected by LeBron’s injury. Even though the Lakers were near the top of the Western Conference standings, they never fully recovered. The season slipped away as chemistry stalled and trade rumors swirled.
Talent vs. Experience
Ingram summed up the reality of that roster well. The team had clear talent. Lonzo Ball saw the court well, Kuzma could score, Hart played tough, and Zubac was strong near the basket. With LeBron James, Rajon Rondo’s basketball know-how, and Michael Beasley’s scoring, they made a strong playoff push.
But playoff basketball is tough. Experience and making the right plays are crucial. Even with all the excitement, the Lakers were still learning how to win at the highest level.
“I’m not sure about the Finals,” Ingram admitted, “but we were definitely talented enough to make a real run in the playoffs.”
A Chapter That Shaped the Player He Is Today
Ingram’s time with the Lakers was like a quick lesson in NBA life, looking back. He faced pressure, chaos, lots of attention, and high expectations before he even turned 22. These things did not break him, but helped him grow.
Leaving Los Angeles helped Ingram become a better player and leader, with lessons from wild moments at Staples Center and a season cut short by injury. The 2018-19 Lakers may never know how far they could have gone, but for Brandon Ingram, that time is still a key part of his story. It helped make him the calm and confident star he is now.
<strong>Landon Buford</strong> is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
<p data-start="442" data-end="833">His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.</p>
<p data-start="835" data-end="1171" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.</p>
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
