NBA Mock Draft: Lakers to select Brandon Ingram at No. 2

The workday has seemingly become endless as the Lakers spent the last month both watching pre-draft workouts and evaluating scouting reports.

But the sentiment around the league suggests a foregone conclusion.

The Lakers will select Duke forward Brandon Ingram with the No. 2 pick in Thursday’s NBA draft. Of course, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak always keeps his ears open in case he hears a trade proposal he likes. Unlike the last 20 years under Kobe Bryant, the Lakers do not have anyone on their roster considered untouchable. But below is a mock draft on what appears likely to transpire:

1. Philadelphia 76ers

Ben Simmons, LSU, power forward, 6-10, 225

One NBA executive called Simmons “the most unique handling big to come to the league since LeBron James.” So even if questions have emerged about Simmons’ outside shooting and commitment, his talent alone should offset those issues.

2. Lakers

Brandon Ingram, Duke, small forward, 6-9, 190

NBA talent evaluators have fallen in love with Ingram’s defense, outside shot and positional versatility. So much that NBA TV analyst Grant Hill called Ingram a “poor-man’s Kevin Durant.” But can Ingram follow Durant’s path and strengthen his rail-thin frame?

3. Boston Celtics

Jamal Murray, Kentucky, shooting guard, 6-4, 205

The Celtics will shop their No. 3 pick, though a deal appears unlikely. NBA talent evaluators like Murray’s versatility as a combo guard. But he will prove more valuable as a shooter because of the Celtics’ flooded backcourt and their need for outside shooting.

4. Phoenix Suns

Dragan Bender, Israel, power forward, 7-1, 220

Questions linger on how long it will take for Bender to develop after not appearing in major inteational competition since 2014. But he has enough post moves and feel for the game, that plenty think he will excel soon.

5. Miesota Timberwolves

Buddy Hield, Oklahoma, shooting guard, 6-4, 215

One NBA scout argued Hield is the most seasoned college prospect both because of his four-year collegiate experience, sharpshooting and ability to finish at the rim. The only question mark entails how much Hield can thrive in other areas of his game.

6. New Orleans Pelicans

Kris Du, Providence, point guard, 6-9, 196

NBA talent evaluators like Du’s steady presence at the poing guard spot. It might be just what Pelicans forward Anthony Davis needs to have an unstoppable one-two punch.

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7. Denver Nuggets

Marquese Chriss, Washington, power forward, 6-9, 235

Chriss climbed up most draft boards because of his athleticism and an emerging post-game both with going above the rim and making jumpers. Chriss still faces conces about his lack of rebounding.

8. Sacramento Kings

Jaylen Brown, Califoia, shooting guard/small forward, 6-6, 225

One NBA scout gushed about Brown’s “elite athleticism” and his ability to finish at the rim. But a few NBA executives are worried about Brown’s outside shot.

9. Toronto Raptors

Jakob Poeltl, Utah, center, 7-0, 235

Poeltl stayed an extra season so he could dominate as both a post-player and jump shooter. Too early to say if Poeltl can ever fulfill in his goal in modeling his game after Pau Gasol. Yet, Poeltl arguably represents this draft class’ best big man.

10. Milwaukee Bucks

Henry Ellenson, Marquette, power forward, center, 6-10, 230

Ellenson left strong impressions in his pre-draft workouts with both his confidence and ability to play the stretch four. Though questions loom about his lack of athleticism and his defense, Ellenson should feel comfortable playing in his hometown.

11. Orlando Magic

Deyonta Davis, Michigan State, power forward, 6-10, 240

Too early to say whether Davis could follow Draymond Green’s path as the Spartans’ do-it-all forward. But NBA talent evaluators believe he has the tools to excel in the post, on the perimeter and on defense.

12. Atlanta Hawks

Wade Baldwin, Vanderbilt, point guard, 6-4, 200

Baldwin has the confidence and playmaking abilities to become a great point guard. But NBA scouts hope Baldwin can keep his emotions in check.

13. Phoenix Suns

Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga, power forward/center, 6-10, 240

Sabonis will spark continuous reminders of his dad for his crafty post play and savvy intelligence. But can Sabonis to play with better mobility?

14. Chicago Bulls

Skal Labissiere, Kentucky, PF/C, 7-0, 215

Labissiere was once projected as a top lottery pick because of his raw skills and size. But after Labissiere averaged only 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds during his freshman season with the Wildcats, one NBA scout has become conceed with both his confidence and intensity level.

15. Denver Nuggets

Denzel Valentine, Michigan State, shooting guard, 6-5, 210

Conces have emerged regarding how healthy his knees can be. But that should not be enough to pass up on an emerging shooter and ball handler.

16. Boston Celtics

Furkan Korkmaz, Turkey, shooting guard, 6-7, 175

With a surplus of draft picks and backcourt players, the Celtics will likely stash Korkmaz overseas. That will give Korkmaz time both to fine-tune his shooting range and gain strength.

17. Utah Jazz

Demetrius Jackson, Notre Dame, point guard, 6-1, 195

The Jazz could use help in the reserves in many areas. Jackson could fill those needs as a dependable pick-and-roll player and shooter.

18. New Orleans Pelicans

Malachi Richardson, Syracuse, shooting guard, 6-6, 195

Richardson climbed draft boards after proving his ability in pressure moments by leading Syracuse in a comeback victory against Virginia in the Elite Eight. The litmus test will entail whether Richardson can maintain that consistency in an 82-game NBA season.

19. Denver Nuggets

Ante Zizic, Croatia, center, 6-11, 235

Zizic could make an immediate impact with his energy alone with both his athleticism and quickness. He might be currently undeveloped, but he could refine those weaknesses if he is stashed.

20. Indiana Pacers

Malik Beasley, Florida State, shooting guard, 6-4, 185

His draft stock plummeted after having recent surgery to repair a stress fracture on his shin. Yet, Beasley should recover from that soon and become prolific in scoring both on and off-the-ball.

21. Atlanta Hawks

Taurean Prince, Baylor, small forward, 6-7, 215

Prince represents the so-called “3-and-D” player perfectly. He can guard multiple positions. His outside shot has remained consistent.

22. Charlotte Hoets

Brice Johnson, North Carolina, power forward, 6-10, 210

It seems natural he would help another hometown team after leading the Tar Heels to the national championship game. Johnson’s athleticism and mid-range game should quickly translate to the NBA.

23. Detroit Pistons

Thon Maker, Canada, forward, 7-1, 215

Maker seems like the perfect fit for Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy. He has an accomplished track record in molding talented albeit undeveloped big men.

24. Philadelphia 76ers

DeAndre Bembry, St. Joseph’s, shooting guard/small forward, 6-5, 205

Bembry hardly matches Simmons’ skill level. But the Sixers will likely draft Bembry for the same reasons, both his passing ability and skill at playing multiple positions.

25. Clippers

Juan Heangomez, Spain, forward, 6-9, 220

Heangomez will likely immediately help the Clippers both because of his relative experience (20 years old) and versatility as a scorer both in the post and along the perimeter.

26. Philadelphia 76ers

Tyler Ulis, Kentucky, point guard, 5-10, 150

Ulis has continuously had to answer questions about his lack of size. But even if that could affect his bottom-line results, Ulis will likely use that weakness as motivation to compete harder.

27. Toronto Raptors

Diamond Stone, Maryland, center, 6-10, 255

Even in a league geared more toward small ball, Stone will still bring value at the center position with his strength and post play. Stone will have to sharpen up on consistency, particularly on defense.

28. Phoenix Suns

Ivica Zubac, C, Croatia

NBA talent evaluators believe Zubac can make up for his lack of mobility with his finishing abilities and length.

29. San Antonio Spurs

Timothe Luwawu, France, shooting guard/small forward, 6-7, 195

The Spurs have a proven track record in spotting inteational talent. Luwawu would complement the Spurs with promising defense and shooting on the wing.

30. Golden State Warriors

Guerschon Yabusele, France, power forward, 6-8, 260.

The Warriors do not exactly have major needs after losing the NBA Finals in seven games. But that makes Yabusele enticing considering he could stay in Europe to further develop.