Lakers Draft Day Selection: No. 2 Pick
- Updated: June 22, 2016
(Photo Courtesy: NBA.com)
The Los Angeles Lakers are in a position they aren’t accustomed to be in. For the third year in a row, the Lakers have acquired a top 10 pick. The tragic seasons led to back-to-back No. 2 pick in the 2015 and 2016 NBA drafts. Last year, the front office took a different route than expected from the draft boards and fans, by selecting D’Angelo Russell over Jahlil Okafor. The Duke Alum, Okafor went on to play for the worst team in the NBA while undergoing off the court issues. He maintained to average 17.5 ppg and 7 rpg being selected to the All-Rookie 1st Team. D’Angelo Russell had a tough rookie year, but his teammates and organization saw bright spots in the 20-year old as he made the All-Rookie 2nd Team.
The Lakers have another chance to draft young talent that will be able to grow and become a staple in the organization. The top 2 picks expected in this year’s draft are Ben Simmons from LSU and Brandon Ingram out of Duke. Both of the young prospects spent one season in the NCAA. Simmons is expected to be selected with the #1 overall pick, but the Lakers will not lose by selecting Brandon Ingram. Ingram is 6’9” and 196 lbs; he has a slender build, but has the ability to add muscle weight. Brandon draws the comparisons to George Gervin and Kevin Durant because of his slim appearance and his cool demeanor through adversity on the court.
In Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s system, Brandon Ingram was able to grow and learn various ways to create space. Ingram was put in 44% isolation plays during his freshman campaign, averaging 17.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, but shooting a disappointing 68% from the free throw line. He will need to improve his shooting behind the line, because guys will bump him to prevent the basket. Ingram showed his athleticism by guarding the best perimeter player at times. Brandon will be tested on the defensive side of the court, since the Lakers are looking for a long wing player.
For the Lakers, Ingram will be able to add a threat on the wing to score in multiple ways as he continues to develop. With the selection of the 18-year old, the Lakers will add another young contributive piece into a new system under Luke Walton. Ingram has the potential to be a contribute part in the Lakers growing over the years. Brandon will be another young talent with D’Angelo, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle to create excitement in this new age of basketball.
The Los Angeles Lakers have a huge decision to make before the NBA draft, June 23rd. The draft isn’t filled with the usual amount of prospects, but the Lakers are in a great position to make a great selection with their pick.
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