32-year-old rookie Andre Ingram made his surprise NBA debut on Tuesday night at Staples Center, and he certainly made the most of the opportunity.
Ingram — a 10-year, 384-game G League veteran — scored 19 points in 29 minutes against the Houston Rockets, and did so with lights-out shooting. The American University product hit 6-of-8 shots from the field, 4-of-5 from behind the arc, and 3-of-3 at the free throw line to reach 19 points in highly efficient fashion.
Ingram’s first shot was a three-pointer, and he nailed it:
Andre Ingram drills his first shot in the NBA #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/siS81r9xJ2
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 11, 2018
Full highlights of Ingram’s amazing performance:
A debut 10 years in the making…
Andre Ingram finishes with 19 points (4-5 3PT), 3 rebounds, 3 blocks and a steal pic.twitter.com/2sCxGznD7c
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 11, 2018
After the game, Ingram was presented the game ball by Lakers head coach Luke Walton:
"10 years…. Helluva opening night"
The game ball
could only go to one person. Thank you for inspiring us all, Andre Ingram! #ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/4NwSUpUykC — Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 11, 2018
And Ingram spoke with the Inside the NBA crew:
Rockets stars Chris Paul and James Harden were extremely impressed by Ingram’s journey and debut:
The power of focus and persistence is real!! Congrats Andre Ingram on your NBA debut. Well deserved! pic.twitter.com/U1MY9F1LOI
— Chris Paul (@CP3) April 11, 2018
32 year old rookie Andre Ingram gets some love from Chris Paul before he checks in for his first NBA game after 384 G League games
pic.twitter.com/RNFbwYEVgX — Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 11, 2018
James Harden compliments Andre Ingram on his impressive NBA debut! pic.twitter.com/K2BkOPEMGx
— NBA (@NBA) April 11, 2018
And Kobe:
LOVE IT https://t.co/H80FOjRuhm
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 11, 2018
Ingram will look to add another chapter to his incredible story in the Lakers’ season finale against the Clippers on Wednesday night.