Los Angeles Lakers: A Chance At The Top Pick, Ben Simmons
By Chris Walton
The Los Angeles Lakers could get the top pick and turn it into Ben Simmons.
Whether head coach Byron Scott or fans like it or not, the Los Angeles Lakers are definitely heading towards the NBA Draft Lottery in 2016. This season has started at an abysmal 2-12, dead last as the Western Conference’s worst team. The franchise’s historically bad roster is also the second-worst in the NBA to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Ironically, the team’s draft position could either hurt or help their losing counterpart. The Lakers have top-three protection on their draft selection.
Like last season, the team is in the hunt for good luck and the possibility of adding a potential superstar to groom. In two consecutive years, they’ve managed to construct a trio of Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, and D’Angelo Russell. Shane Battier was quoted last week as an advocate of a strong future for the Lakers. He shared on thoughts on Zach Lowe’s The Lowe Post:
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"“The Lakers will be a championship-level within three years,” Battier said. “Los Angeles’ ability to reload is unlike any other team in the league and then you throw in a top three pick, they get this kid Ben Simmons, who’s a player… they’re going to get free agents… they will reload before your eyes and you’ll be shocked. Mark my words, within three years they’ll be a championship contender.”"
If the losing keeps up and there’s still magic left in the ping-pong balls from 2015, LSU standout Ben Simmons is the ideal prospect to add. With maturation of their other core pieces and his addition, the possibilities seem like enough to cover the bleeding wounds of these past three nightmarish seasons.
Simmons is an absolute beast physically at 6’10″ and 239 pounds. Despite such a monstrous stature, Simmons has the ability of a pure point guard, in the mold of LeBron James or Lamar Odom. Not only does he share a similar make-up to each player, but he brings it on the court, too.
During Simmons first five games he’s averaging 16 points, 11.6 rebounds, six assists along with two steals and a block. Just saying that Simmons is filling the stat sheet isn’t doing justice to his efforts.
Despite his all-around ability, Simmons still finds time to drop our jaws and remind us that he’s easily one of the most athletic prospects to scout:
As mentioned, Simmons can absolutely move the basketball all over the court and as fancy as you desire.
Oh, hi there, Ben …
Could you imagine the connections that Russell and Simmons could make? What about high-low offense with Randle and Simmons picking their spots. Just the fantasies alone are worth the tank driving forward.
To reiterate Battier’s stance, the Lakers should be special in a few years. All of the struggles and issues that they are experiencing could very well be worth it after this season’s lottery. Another big name pick like Simmons should definitely cement the team as one of the league’s fastest rising squads.
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On top of another young big name, the team has cap space that they could use to lure great pieces around their young guys. While the Lakers find a way to weather this year’s storm, the sun shining on the other side sounds like a damn good prize.