The Philadelphia 76ers have guaranteed that they will select Ben Simmons first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft. The Los Angeles Lakers will reportedly follow up that selection by drafting Duke’s Brandon Ingram. From ESPN’s Chad Ford and Ramona Shelburne:
Barring a last-minute blockbuster trade offer, the Los Angeles Lakers intend to select Duke freshman Brandon Ingram with the second pick in the 2016 NBA draft on Thursday night, league sources told ESPN.
The Lakers spent three hours huddled with new head coach Luke Walton on Tuesday night before signaling to multiple league sources that Ingram would be their choice if the Sixers select Ben Simmons with the No. 1 pick.
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The Lakers believe that Ingram is a great fit for the organization and a potential All-Star player down the road. His shooting and ability to defend multiple positions on the floor fit a huge need for them. Ingram has been ranked No. 2 on ESPN’s Big Board since December and is widely considered the consensus No. 2 pick in the draft by rival general managers.
While the team carefully vetted several other prospects including Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield and Providence’s Kris Dunn, the feeling within the organization was the Ingram provided both the best fit and the most upside for the team.
Shelburne and Ford noted that there is one scenario in which Simmons goes first and the Lakers don’t select Ingram second: In the case of a blockbuster trade. If a young star is on the table, the Lakers may be persuaded to deal the pick.
