Redrafting the Los Angeles Lakers’ last 3 lottery picks

2016 No. 2 Overall: Brandon Ingram -> Brandon Ingram

Based on what we’ve seen through one season, there isn’t one 2016 pick selected after Brandon Ingram who has shown enough to warrant swapping him out. I briefly considered going with Malcolm Brogdon instead, but decided to stick with Ingram’s immense upside.

While the rookie was inconsistent and uneasy at times in 2016-17, there’s little reason to believe he’s a bust. He showed a keen ability to creating scoring opportunities for himself, and held his own on defense. While there are several areas of his game that need work, the overall product has to have this franchise excited.

Especially with Jokic and Porzingis serving as the twin towers, Ingram would have more weapons to work with than he does now. He could drive and kick out to Porzingis, who is eerily adept at hitting from deep. If that doesn’t work, he’s got Jokic to clean the boards and capitalize on the second-chance opportunities.

Next: Boldly Predicting Lakers' 2018-19 Starting Lineup

Either way, the Lakers need a star wing who can put big points on the board and keep opposing defenses on their heels. Ingram is still a work in progress, but seems like the right guy for the job at No. 2 overall. Even if Ben Simmons was available, I might be hesitant to take him instead after injuries cost him his entire rookie season.

Ingram will be a star for the Lakers some day–that time just may not come as soon as fans were hoping for.