The LA Lakers were supposed to have the easiest spot in the 2016 NBA Draft but they are one of the busiest teams.
The upcoming draft is projected to be a two-man class-meaning pundits believe that only two prospects have the potential to become game-changers and these are Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram.
The latest reports to come out of Philadelphia is that they prefer Ben Simmons and the LSU standout was reported to be preparing to play in Philly, according to the Burlington County Times.
"Agent Rich Paul, who represents LeBron James, John Wall and others, 'has been preparing for his client to go to Philadelphia from the moment the Sixers got the' top selection in the May 17 draft lottery, according to the source," the report stated.
With that, the Lakers can now proceed to take Brandon Ingram of Duke, right? Not so fast. ESPN Insider resident Draft guru Chad Ford is raising some serious questions on Ingram as the no.2 choice. It's not a knock on the wiry Duke standout who's being compared to Kevin Durant, but the emergence of the draft's sleeper candidate.
That sleeper prospect if Marquese Chriss of Washington, a 6-10 athletic forward.
Ford had him moving up from no.8 on the Big Board to no.6, then eventually to no.4 on the mock draft. Could he still jump to no.2?
"Chriss' elite athleticism, combined with size, length and the ability to both stretch the floor and protect the rim make him a unique prospect. Few players have a similar combination of physical tools and basketball skills," Ford described.
Player comparisons had Shawn Kemp of the Seattle Supersonics in the 90s to Shawn Marion who had his best years with the Phoenix Suns. Both were athletic forwards.
Ford discusses: "But does he have a higher ceiling than Ingram? Perhaps. He's a better athlete, and given his body type, he might be a better defender (if he can learn how to stay out of foul trouble)."
However, Brandon Ingram is a "sure thing." Chriss is not at all a shooter and with today's game, that is a must for every team.
Ford's conclusion: "Talking to Lakers sources, I think Ingram is the pick for L.A. at No. 2. He has similar upside to Chriss without the risks."
No surprises here-yet. It's still Ingram for the Lakers.