Following the report yesterday that the Philadelphia 76ers told Ben Simmons they'll select him first overall in the NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers have made their decision at number two.
According to Chad Ford and Ramona Shelburne, the Lakers plan to take Duke freshman Brandon Ingram second overall in tomorrow's draft.
Before the decision was made, members of the front office met with new head coach Luke Walton for three hours before telling league sources that Ingram is their man, assuming Simmons goes first to Philly.
Despite some rumblings about Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender possibly making the jump to the second pick, Ingram has been the consensus choice in that spot for awhile now. His length, outside shooting, and defensive versatility will be key for the Lakers as they continue their rebuild.
Other players who've snuck up draft boards and onto the Lakers' radar are Buddy Hield and Kris Dunn, but it appears that they'll be making their homes elsewhere.
There's only one development that could change this decision: a blockbuster trade. The Lakers, like most teams, will listen to whatever offers other franchises make; if one if too good to refuse, they won't hesitate to pull the trigger:
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.
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