After starting his career in purple and gold, Brandon Ingram has blossomed into a bona fide player in New Orleans. No part of the Anthony Davis trade was better for the Pelicans than Ingram, who became an All-Star and one of the league’s bright young stars.

But after Ingram and the Pelicans were once considered an integral part of the franchise, things have changed. The two sides appear much closer to a breakup than to a shared future with Ingram on an expiring contract.

New Orleans was looking to trade Ingram, and with the Lakers in need of upgrades, there was an idea simmering in the background that the two teams could work together to find a solution to their problems. They got a little louder last week when Ingram also left his current agency and moved to Klutch Sports.

On Friday, Jake Fischer reported that the Lakers apparently have no interest in a deal for their former No. 2 draft pick.

Ingram’s first NBA franchise is actually often tipped by scouts as a potential destination for the next Ingram transfer, but I haven’t received any indication that the Lakers want to pursue him now. All credible signals circulating about the Lakers indicate that LA is looking to bolster its frontcourt and add perimeter defense to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

As Fischer reports, the Lakers need more depth, not less. In order to complete a trade for Ingram, the Lakers would have to give up several role players. That only creates more problems, not fewer, especially with the salary cap in mind if the team expects to sign Ingram after this season.

None of this speaks to the awkwardness of the fit on the pitch either. LeBron and Ingram didn’t exactly gel the last time they were teammates, and Ingram struggled in New Orleans alongside a ball-dominant forward in Zion Williamson.

The Lakers are making the right decision when it comes to prioritizing depth, something they had little of early in the season and injuries have even negated that. A reunion with Ingram may be the fun move, but it’s not the logical one.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.