Lakers Rumors: NBA Executives Believe Brandon Ingram Will Be Better Than Ben Simmons
Brandon Ingram, Ben Simmons, Lakers
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the 2016 NBA Draft there was a consensus top two prospects. Ben Simmons went first to the Philadelphia 76ers while the Los Angeles Lakers took Brandon Ingram with the second overall pick.

The two were extremely different players, as Simmons drew comparisons to the likes of LeBron James and Magic Johnson as basically a 6’9 point guard with an NBA-ready body. Ingram, on the other hand, still needed time for his frame to develop, but had so many tools that some believed he would be better down the line.

Now in their second year (technically Simmons’ first since he missed all of last season due to injury) both are showing tons of potential. But according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, some executives are eyeing Ingram as the bigger potential future star:

Simmons’ lack of shooting was his biggest concern coming out of college and while he has produced at a high level, those concerns have proven to be warranted. He hasn’t made a 3-pointer this season and has only attempted 10. Additionally, he is shooting just 56.9 percent from the free throw line.

Ingram on the other hand has upped his 3-point percentage to 38.1 in his second season, and has improved at the free throw line as well, now at 68.6 percent. Additionally, he’s excelled in playing point guard for the Lakers, both prior to and since Lonzo Ball’s return.

Ingram’s growth from his first to his second season has been astronomical and given plenty of fans hope that he could be that next Lakers superstar. Who will ultimately be the better player between himself and Simmons is unknown, but the fact that Ingram can hurt the defense at every level certainly gives him an advantage.

WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION? CHECK OUT THE NEW LAKERSNATION FORUM CLUB

You May Also Like

NBA Rumors: Anthony Davis To Treat Any Team As ‘One-Year Stop’ If Not Traded To Lakers

The Anthony Davis trade request has been one of the most talked about stories during the 2018-19 NBA season, even…

NBA Rumors: Andre Iguodala Narrows Down Free Agency Decision To Lakers, Warriors & Nets

The Los Angeles Lakers have wasted no time filling their roster after completing their blockbuster trade for…

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Won’t Make Another ‘Major’ Move After Trading Larry Nance Jr. And Jordan Clarkson

Most plugged-in observers were expecting a relatively quiet trade deadline for the Los Angeles Lakers, with the most recent NBA trade rumors coming into the day…

Lakers Rumors: Magic Johnson Open To ‘Dismissing’ GM Mitch Kupchak

With Magic Johnson now officially back in the fold as an advisor to team president Jeanie Buss, the rumors are starting to swirl about potential changes on the horizon for the Los Angeles Lakers…