Celtics’ Kyrie Irving Praises Brandon Ingram, Lakers’ Defense For ‘Closing Down The Lane’
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Beyond the usual excitement that comes with the annual NBA Trade Deadline, Thursday had added intrigue because of the All-Star Game Draft and longtime rivals Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics meeting for the first time this season.

Hours before either team stepped on the court at the TD Garden, they were intertwined in Anthony Davis trade rumors for the better part of the past week. As the Lakers made a push to acquire Davis before the deadline, the Celtics reportedly implored the New Orleans Pelicans to stand pat.

Doing so would allow Boston — and other teams — to become involved in an potential Davis trade during the offseason. The Celtics’ expected pursuit of Davis is somewhat hinged to the future of Kyrie Irving.

Months after verbally committing to re-signing with the Celtics come July, Irving recently waffled on the stance. That came on the heels of rumblings he had interest in reuniting with LeBron James.

After his first look at the James-led Lakers, Irving offered praise of Brandon Ingram and the team’s defense for making matters difficult for him, via Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe:

Irving’s remarks were similar to praise Lakers head coach Luke Walton heaped on Ingram, noting the third-year forward impacted the game defensively even as he struggled on offense.

The compliment Irving paid to Ingram and the Lakers is supported by his 6-for-21 shooting night from the floor. He finished with team-high 24 points, largely behind converting all 10 free throw attempts.

Reminder: Vivid Seats is the Official Ticket Reseller of LakersNation.com. New Customers use “LAKERSNATION” (all CAPS) in the Vivid Seats App on your phone and get 10% off any Lakers home game ticket order for the remainder of the season.

You May Also Like

Magic Johnson Loves Defense, Basketball IQ Tyson Chandler Brings To Lakers

At the beginning of the season the Los Angeles Lakers decided to keep one open roster spot in case they needed to sign someone down the line…

Lakers News: LeBron James Loves Rui Hachimura’s Competitiveness & Desire To Be Great

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to kick off their postseason run as they host the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first Play-In Tournament…

Laker Saga (Cont.) After Kobe and Dwight’s Big Chill, the Big Thaw?

And now, the Big Thaw? Not that we’re sure how much things…

Lakers Coach Byron Scott: Players Already Thinking About Offseason

In the first game of a home-and-home against cross two rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Lakers suffered an embarrassing 22-point loss…