NEW YORK — Brandon Ingram will slide into the Lakers’ starting lineup tonight against the Knicks, an apparent signal from coach Luke Walton that the team is prioritizing development for the remainder of the season.
Ingram, 19, has started 14 games in his rookie season, but always as a fill-in for an injured starter. Tonight, he is expected to replace 13th-year veteran Luol Deng, who has posted his worst statistical season after signing a $72 million contract last summer.
Ingram is averaging 8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game, but those numbers have crept upward when he’s started. Playing with the first five, Ingram averaged 10 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists.
Walton has said throughout the season that once the Lakers were safely out of the playoff hunt, he would consider placing a greater emphasis on development and rethink his starting lineup.
Julius Randle will also return to the Lakers’ starting lineup after pneumonia limited him to six minutes over the Lakers previous four games.
Ingram broke out of a five-game slump Friday in Boston, finishing with 14 points and 6 rebounds.
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