More than a decade into his professional career, the welcome-to-the-NBA moment has finally come for Andre Ingram.
Only one man has ever played more games in the G League than Ingram, who has spent 10 of the last 11 years of his life grinding in the NBA’s minor league system.
APRIL 9th, 2018
Ingram — who has played six seasons for the South Bay Lakers — got his opportunity at last, as the Los Angeles Lakers signed him for the final two games of the season.
The 6-foot-3, 184-pound shooting guard’s career has been about much more than just longevity.
With 713 career 3-pointers, he has shattered the previous record by 176 triples. His accuracy has been just as impressive volume, as his 46.1 career 3-point percentage is best all-time among players who have spent at least two full seasons in the G League.
The 32-year-old has also scored the fifth-most points in league history (3,901) and won the 3-Point Contest in 2010 and 2016.
APRIL 10th, 2018
The two 32-year-olds stood at halfcourt, waiting to check into the game.
For one, it was just another game in a Hall of Fame career. For the other, it was the apex of an 11-year journey to the NBA.
So before Andre Ingram stepped onto the court for his NBA debut, Chris Paul had to pull him aside and salute a player that had spent a decade in the G League working to this moment.
“I told him I heard about his story and that grind is unbelievable,” Paul said. “I told him much respect. Ten years grinding in the G League, finally getting an opportunity and to play like that — that’s pretty special.”
Ingram dazzled the entire night, scoring 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including four 3-pointers. He even mixed in some strong off-ball defense with three blocks and a steal.
The six-year South Bay Laker didn’t miss a shot until the fourth quarter, hitting each of his first five attempts, and received “MVP!” chants from a frenzied STAPLES Center crowd well aware of his decade-long journey to this night.
“I just felt some electricity out there,” Ingram said. “It was amazing. The crowd, the lights — it was once in a lifetime.”
Ingram was given a license to shoot from the minute he met his fellow Lakers.
He didn’t disappoint them in front of a sold-out arena, plus a nationally-televised audience.
“It was open arms from everyone: all the teammates, all the coaches,” Ingram said. “Two games left in the season (and) they were telling me to shoot everything. I’m grateful to these guys, man.”
APRIL 11th, 2018
Credits:
Ty Nowell/Los Angeles Lakers