The Inspirational Story of Andre Ingram: The G-League Legend Who Became a Lakers Star

It’s no secret that the NBA is a difficult world to access. Many players try their luck without ever stepping onto the courts or securing even a small contract. But among all these players not destined to have a chance on the courts of the big league, one of them managed to become a legend. Today, we tell you the incredible story of André Ingram, a simple G-League player who became a Los Angeles Lakers star for one magical night.

An Atypical Career

Andre Ingram is not a player like the others. Born in Richmond in 1985, the 6’3″ guard was never highly sought after by the NBA. Not particularly skillful, tall, technical, or fast, only his extremely reliable three-point shot allowed him to find a small place on his high school team. But at the end of his school career, it was a cold shower. No renowned university took an interest in Ingram. So he joined American University in Washington, where he spent four years. There, he continued playing basketball, much to the delight of his modest second-division team. Eligible for the 2007 draft, he showed up with no expectations. And the result was clear: no NBA franchise selected him. Ingram, much like Stephen Curry in his younger years, was used to being snubbed. So, if he couldn’t access the NBA through the front door, he might as well try the small one. He turned to the G-League, the NBA’s minor league, and was selected by the Utah Flash, the “reserve” team for the Utah Jazz. It was an excellent experience, as he had the best years of his career there, averaging 12.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Nothing too crazy, but enough to start getting noticed within the league.

After 3 seasons, he joined the Los Angeles Defenders, a franchise affiliated with the Lakers. He stayed there for 6 seasons, notably shooting 47.5% from beyond the arc. A surprising figure that reached the ears of the Lakers’ General Manager, who were struggling during the 2017-2018 season. And one beautiful day, everything changed.

The Chance of a Lifetime

“Good things come to those who wait.” If this quote by Rabelais were to be personified, Andre Ingram would be the perfect example. After 10 long seasons biting his nails in the G-League, he was called up by the Gold & Purple to join the first team and replace… Brandon Ingram. Quite a peculiar situation. Facing an epidemic of injuries, the Lakers, already out of the race for the 2018 playoffs, finally decided to offer him a chance to show what he could do: a 5-game contract. The chance of a lifetime.

And on April 10, in a sold-out Staples Center hosting the Houston Rockets, he became the oldest player, or rather the oldest rookie, to play his first NBA game at the age of 32. History was being written… and it was about to get even better. That night, the iconic home of the Lakers witnessed one of those unforgettable evenings. Those that remind us, as basketball fans, just how unique our sport is. Given a standing ovation upon entering the court, the world’s eyes were fixed on this small, 33-year-old guard who seemed completely shy at first glance. But there was no time to hesitate. If Andre Ingram was there, it was because he deserved his spot. In a trance, he began his showcase. Driven by an extra dose of soul, the shooter caught fire completely. Contested, off-balance, open, from mid-range or behind the arc—all his shots went in. The proof? He finished the game with 19 points on 75% shooting, including 80% from 3-point range. A mind-blowing, but above all touching, performance, as if the basketball gods wanted him to live his dream to the fullest that night. So yes, Ingram didn’t win the game that night, but he won much more: the recognition of the entire league, which could only bow down to such self-denial. Players, executives, presidents—everyone, each in their own way, hailed this performance, which remains, even today, one of the most beautiful in history. I won’t lie, I got chills writing these lines. It just goes to show that going from unknown to superstar is just a small step after all.

A Short Stint and Then He’s Gone

After this brilliant performance, which earned him a long hug with Rockets veteran Chris Paul, Andre Ingram experienced a slight dip. Over the next four games he played, he delivered good but not exceptional performances to convince the Angelenos front office to offer him a long-term contract. So, after 5 games, his adventure with the Lakers ended. He continued playing basketball in the G-League for a short time before permanently retiring and retraining. And in 2020, he was re-elected president of the G-League Players Union. This goes to show that even if this league is not particularly impressive and the salaries are much lower than in the major league, it can be the gateway to a beautiful story. And what could be more beautiful for these players than to have the most emblematic of them all as their president?

A Model of Resilience

The very definition of the word “perseverance” 👊. 10 years in the G-League, still clinging to the same dream: reaching the NBA. All the work and sacrifices made are enough to make him one of the most persistent players the NBA has ever known. But that’s not all. Andre Ingram is the kind of player who never gives up. The type of basketball player who, aware of his weaknesses, works tirelessly on his strengths to carve out a place for himself. For those who know it, it’s a bit like the same mindset as Sora in the anime “Ahiru No Sora” (excellent, by the way, go watch it 🫵). But he did all this for one reason: his daughter. Yes, joining the NBA was his dream, but staying in the G-League ensured him a small financial security and allowed him to watch his daughter grow up beside him. And even in the most difficult moments, he never let go. A big-hearted man whom life decided to reward after so many years.

Exemplary Mental Fortitude

If Andre Ingram made it to the NBA courts after overcoming so many obstacles, it’s also thanks to an iron will that he had time to forge during his G-League years. In the NBA’s antechamber, players live with a sword of Damocles hanging over their heads. Either you have the level and hope to secure even a small contract, or you abandon your dream and decide to wander from country to country with the hope of delivering performances convincing enough for the NBA to come directly to you. That is the harsh reality of high-level basketball. But the guard didn’t care about that. He remained attached to his dream without putting pressure on himself. A winning mindset that allowed him to keep his feet on the ground and continue to progress. A mental fortitude that also came from his small family. With his salary, he could provide for his wife and daughter, follow his child’s development, and be fulfilled, which plays a big role both physically and mentally.

A Lethal 3-Point Shot

In the manner of a certain Stephen Curry, Andre Ingram worked hard on his strengths to compensate for his technical and physical shortcomings. Quite frail to venture close to the basket, the guard turned his 3-point shot into a weapon of mass destruction. At the end of every practice, whether in high school, college, or the G-League, Ingram would stay for hours in the gym taking shots, perfecting his technique, and consequently, improving.