12/04/2018

At 32 years old, math teacher makes NBA debut.

Getty Images

Reproduction from the newspaper O Globo

With 19 points, including four three-pointers, three rebounds, three blocks, and one steal, Andre Ingram had the best rookie debut for a Lakers player since 1993. At 32 years old and with gray hair, he waited ten years for the opportunity to play in the NBA. During that time, he played in the G-League, the NBA's Development League, for the South Bay Lakers, an affiliate of the Los Angeles Lakers. and worked as a math teacher to supplement his income.

"You don't make much money in the minor leagues, playing crazy schedules in small towns, always hoping others think you're good enough. That can be mentally tough," highlighted Luke Walton, the Lakers' coach.

Master of three-point shots, the game against the Houston Rockets, played last Tuesday (10) at the Staples Center, was a dream come true for Andre, who during his ten seasons in the G-League played 384 games and reached the mark of 713 three-pointers. He also took to the court for the Lakers yesterday, in the game against local rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers.

Out of the NBA playoffs, the Lakers are just going through the motions, and they invited Andre to play in the last two games of the 2017/2018 season. In the first game, he was on the court for 29 minutes, wearing jersey number 20. And, despite being defeated by the Houston Rockets 105-99, Luke Walton presented him with the game ball.

Revered on the court by teammates and opponents for his history of perseverance, Andre also earned praise from Kobe Bryant, who took to Twitter to comment on a video of the rookie's performance. "I loved that," said the greatest idol in Lakers history.

"I felt the atmosphere was totally in my favor. My teammates, the coaching staff, the fans. Just being here, with this court, with this lighting. It was an almost unique opportunity in my life, but it was incredible," said Andre.