Lakers Rumors: Top Buzz Surrounding Brandon Ingram, Kris Dunn and More

The Los Angeles Lakers should be very excited for the NBA draft on June 23. After a franchise-worst 17 wins during the 2015-16 season, the squad will be able to add to its young core with two selections, including the No. 2 overall pick.

Los Angeles also figures to be a major player for most of the top free agents, like usual, but its first priority is making the right decisions on draft night.

Let’s break down some recent rumors regarding the Lakers’ plans for the draft and a bit of news on one free agent they plan to pursue.

 

Brandon Ingram No. 1 on Lakers' Draft Board?

While there still may be a little bit of drama surrounding whom the Philadelphia 76ers will take with their No. 1 pick June 23, it's looking more and more like it will be Ben Simmons. Per ESPN.com's Marc Stein, the team had a face-to-face meeting with Simmons on Thursday, and it came away impressed by the reported 20 pounds of muscle he's gained since the end of his season freshman season at LSU. Philadelphia saw the meeting as a way to start "building a relationship" with the standout forward.

Naturally, that means the Lakers will likely be "stuck" with the other elite prospect at the No. 2 slot, Brandon Ingram. But if recent reports are true, Los Angeles will be just fine with that.



The Vertical’s Jonathan Givony reported in his mock draft Friday that the Lakers would’ve targeted Ingram even if they had the No. 1 pick. Presumably, the team likes the way the Duke freshman fits with its current roster better than Simmons does.

Having Ingram No. 1 on its draft board is the smart move from the Lakers front office. Los Angeles ranked last in the NBA in three-point percentage last season, and Ingram’s sweet stroke can immediately help the team improve there. He’s also more comfortable playing off the ball than Simmons is, and the Lakers don’t need ...

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