2. Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram
For all those out there just like me, who believe the draft lottery is secretly rigged, the league knows we’re on to them. That’s why they didn’t give the top pick to the Lakers like we thought they would.
Instead, the Los Angeles Lakers come away with the second overall selection, and barring utter stupidity getting hold of the 76ers’ front office (which wouldn’t be the first time) Ben Simmons will be off the board when they get a chance to pick.
That means the Lakers have Brandon Ingram falling into their laps. He’s a high-cieling, 3-and-D wing player who will fill a major void on the perimeter. The Lakers were the league’s worst 3-pt shooting team last season, and while Ingram is certainly know elite marksman, he is consistent enough from beyond the arc to up their stats in a big way.
Ingram is also the ideal running mate for last year’s number 2 overall pick, D’Angelo Russell. This pick allows Russell to continue to grow and adapt as a playmaker, with Ingram being far more lethal off-ball than the man who will likely precede him in this draft.
Next: Boston Celtics