Sources: Lakers plan to select Ingram at No. 2
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ESPN Senior Writer- Senior NBA Writer for ESPN.com
- ESPN Insider NBA Draft Analyst since 2002
- Writes ESPN’s NBA Draft Top 100 and Lottery Mock Draft
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.
The 76ers have promised Simmons he will be their pick at No. 1. The 76ers’ promise was first reported by Cleveland.com on Tuesday and confirmed by ESPN.
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.
With the Lakers’ draft board coming into focus, sources held out a potential scenario where Ingram didn’t go No. 2 — a last minute blockbuster trade offer from a team offering a young, veteran All-Star in return.
The Lakers don’t want to trade the pick and are bullish on Ingram. However, any chance to get a proven young All-Star now would have to be seriously considered by the Lakers according to sources. The team plans to be very aggressive in free agency in July and a young All-Star caliber veteran could help them lure other elite free agents.
