The Philadelphia 76ers may have lock their sights on selecting Ben Simmons in this year's NBA draft, while the Los Angeles Lakers are going with Brandon Ingram for the No. 2 pick.
The 76ers, who owns the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA draft, could be looking at selecting Simmons, leaving the Lakers to select Ingram at No. 2, according to Basketball Insiders' latest mock draft.
Howard Eskin, sports director for Fox affiliate in Philadelphia, revealed on his radio show 94.1 WIP there is a "100% chance that the 76ers draft Simmons" after speaking to general manager Bryan Colangelo.
Simmons has been the consensus top prospect in the draft class, with many convinced the Australian phenom has a higher ceiling than Ingram. However, the Aussie teen, who is known for his versatility to play at point forward, has yet to commit to working out for any NBA teams including the 76ers, although ESPN's Chad Ford "came away certain" Simmons would still be the top pick, according to Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation.
With Simmons heading to Philly, it is a no-brainer for the Lakers to pick the other top-talented prospect available in the draft. It is widely believed there is a drop in talent once Simmons and Ingram get selected, which means all the Lakers should do is pick whichever the 76ers passed on.
In another mock draft from CBS Sports' Gary Parrish, the Lakers use the No. 2 pick on Ingram, who has appeared as a legit threat to be selected first overall come draft night.
"I can't promise he's the next Kevin Durant. But, when you watch him, it's easy to see why those comparisons exist. Ingram would fit perfectly with the Lakers young core that's already in place. He could be the player who returns the franchise to respectability," Parrish wrote.
The 76ers and the Lakers have been linked to rumors about trading their top picks for veteran stars, who could instantly impact both teams' plan to become contenders once again. But until LA and Philadelphia head that path, they face a bright future at the NBA draft in June, with Simmons and Ingram showing the potential to become perennial All-Stars in the league.