The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a fortunate position with the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft for the second consecutive year. This draft features two standout prospects who are determined to become stars in the NBA someday: Ben Simmons of Louisiana State University and Brandon Ingram of Duke University.
The Philadelphia 76ers will select first in the draft, and are likely leaning towards drafting Simmons, which leads many to believe that Ingram will don the purple and gold next season. Ingram appears to be locked in as the draft is quickly approaching. In a behind-the-scenes special produced by The Players Tribune, Brandon Ingram reflects on his experience with Duke and his decision to leave after his freshman year:
“When Coach K came to my house for a home visit, he told me that if I did well in practices I had a chance to get drafted after my first year of college. Everything he said was true. Leaving early was a hard decision, but at the end of the day, I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. It was an opportunity I had to take.”
The decision for Ingram to leave Duke after one year may pay dividends as he has a realistic chance to land with the most storied and decorated franchises in NBA history. The Lakers would be thrilled to draft a player of Ingram’s caliber, who already fits their gaping hole at small forward. The Lakers have a private workout with Ingram scheduled for Thursday, June 9.