After a decade in the G League, Andre Ingram's patience finally paid off.
The Lakers' 32-year-old rookie stole the show in the team's 105-99 loss to the Rockets on Tuesday as he scored 19 points and recorded three blocks in his anticipated NBA debut.
"I just felt some electricity out there," Ingram said, via the Los Angeles Times. "The crowd. Just being here, the lights. It was once in a lifetime. It was awesome.
"I've been in the D-League, G League because I want to be in [the NBA]. It was always that thought from the start, from graduating to now."
Ingram, who logged 11 points in his first seven minutes, led the Lakers in scoring during the first half and finished with the most points in a Lakers rookie debut since Nick Van Exel scored 23 in 1993. His four three-pointers were also the most in a Lakers rookie debut.
The performance was so impressive, Ingram drew "MVP" chants that echoed throughout Staples Center with actual MVP front-runner James Harden present.
Ingram also drew praise from around the league on Twitter later Tuesday night.
"He showed the basketball world what kind of shooter he is," Lakers coach Luke Walton said. "The only three he missed he got fouled on."
Ingram, who also holds the all-time G League record for most three-pointers made, will get the chance to put on another memorable performance in the Lakers' season finale Wednesday against the Clippers.
