Julius Randle (Photo : Twitter)
The LA Lakers are hoping to keep their top two pick in the draft and various scenarios could arise based on their pick.
If the Lakers land the no.1 pick, they will make a choice between Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram. Ingram will be a perfect fit as the Lakers have a need at the small forward spot but Ben Simmons is such a prime talent to pass up.
It would be easy if they landed no.2 (which they are right now because they have the second best record) and they will just pick whoever is left between the two. But the Sixers are still a puzzle. If Sam Hinkie was still the decision maker for them, he would pick Simmons (talent over fit) and the Lakers would take Ingram. Hinkie is gone now and Colangelo might take Ingram because of his better shooting and overall fit.
Lakers team site Silver Screen And Roll discussed who the Lakers would take and there were also some interesting insights for the rest of the roster.
Ryan Kelapire noted that it's "a tough decision because it's a classic 'fit' or 'best player available' decision.
"I consider Ben Simmons to be the top prospect in the draft, but Brandon Ingram is such an ideal fit with the Lakers' current roster. He'd give the Lakers the perimeter shooting, scoring, length, and defensive ability that they desperately need on the wing," Kelapire said.
But Simmons is a game-changing talent that is "ridiculously creative" and can lead the team as a point forward. The Lakers may have to make some adjustments if they pick him. For one thing, a coach who understands what he can bring to the game.
Simmons may have to play power forward in today's small ball, fast-paced NBA and that's a position already occupied by Julius Randle. Randle and Simmons are not stretch fours. In fact, Randle has also shown prowess in handling the ball and running the offense-which is Simmons cup of tea.
Kelapire did mention that "Simmons is a special prospect, and he's the guy I'd want. I'd be on board with trading Randle if it meant having D'Angelo Russell and Ben Simmons running the Lakers' offense for the next decade."
That sentiment was echoed by Bleacher Report who noted that "(Simmons) doesn't yet have is a reliable jumper, which is a bit of a concern considering he'd likely play alongside Julius Randle who is similarly challenged."
Randle is a promising prospect but if the Lakers ended up with Simmons whether at 1st or 2nd (unlikely he'll drop beyond that), they would have to pick the Australian prodigy. Randle will have his suitors and the Lakers could get an asset in exchange for him.
