The 2016 NBA Draft is only a few weeks away with the Los Angeles Lakers more than likely ending up with either Ben Simmons out of LSU or Duke’s Brandon Ingram. Both have been considered to be the top two players in the 2016 draft class for some time, and while which should be taken first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers has been debated, it appears that Simmons will ultimately receive that honor.
On Wednesday, the Lakers will have a dinner with Ingram ahead of their private workout with the draft prospect on Thursday at the team’s practice facility in El Segundo. Simmons, however, has yet to have a workout scheduled with the Los Angeles, according to Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times:
Lakers haven’t scheduled a workout with Ben Simmons yet. Draft is 17 days away…
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) June 6, 2016
With Philadelphia rumored to be leaning toward selecting Simmons rather than Ingram or any other top-tier prospect come draft day on June 23rd, that leaves the Lakers in an interesting position.
Once the Lakers are officially on the clock with the second overall pick, Ingram appears to be the clear choice for Los Angeles, though anything can happen between now and the draft. Ingram’s stock may rise or fall this week following the team’s private workout with the former Blue Devil, but as of right now, the Duke product will be wearing purple and gold next season.
As for Simmons, the 19-year-old may eventually be bound for Philadelphia, but it would be safe to assume he’ll attend a private workout with the Lakers at some point in the coming weeks.
Other notable draft prospects that could receive an invitation for a private workout from the Lakers leading up to draft day include Jaylen Brown, Kris Dunn, Jamal Murray, Buddy Hield, and Dragan Bender.