Brandon Ingram to miss next two games with groin strain

The Los Angeles Lakers have found ways to win games despite being down a number of key players, most notably second-year forward Brandon Ingram, who has missed the last four games with a groin injury.

The Lakers were hopeful Ingram would be available for Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but upon further evaluation, it looks like Ingram will be sidelined for at least a few more games.

Ingram will miss Tuesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets and Wednesday’s game against the Golden State Warriors. He will likely have to get in at least one practice before returning to the floor, so a return Friday vs. the Miami Heat also seems doubtful.

Before going down with an injury, Ingram was playing some of the best basketball of his young career. In the 13 games he suited up for in February, Ingram averaged 18.6 points. 5.2 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.6 blocks per game. He was also starting to knock down his outside jumpers with consistency, shooting 52.2 percent from behind the arc on 2.3 attempts per game.

Ingram will hope to pick up right where he left off as the Lakers try to make a push toward their first winning record in five years. The Lakers are currently only six games below .500.

Hurry back, B.I.