Lakers Draft News: Brandon Ingram to work out on Thursday

The latest Lakers draft news point to Brandon ingram getting a chance to workout for the team.

With the draft rapidly approaching, the Los Angeles Lakers are in full swing to determine which prospect they want to select with their number two selection at the 2016 NBA Draft on June 23rd, 2016.

While the Philadelphia 76ers have the first pick, it is widely assumed that the Lakers will choose whomever Philadelphia doesn’t pick between Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram.

Bleacher Report NBA beat writer Kevin Ding provides us with insight into future workouts for the expected to be top-two picks:

Before his official private workout at the Lakers’ practice facility in El Segundo, the Lakers will be meeting with Ingram for dinner on Wednesday.

Ingram has already met with the Lakers at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago and impressed them, which is a good sign.

So, what can the Lakers expect from Ingram’s workout?

Ingram is a 6’9” forward with a 7’3” wingspan who shot 41% on 195 attempted threes, and averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game.

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Ingram can score from anywhere, but from the statistics above, Ingram will show the Lakers his sweet stroke from long-range, as well as illustrate his defensive skill set in team drills.

The Lakers need a small forward of Ingram’s caliber who can show versatility on the defensive end, and Ingram would do his due diligence by showing up to his workout in beast mode ready to impress the Lakers once again.

With all his upside, Ingram also has some shortcomings.

It is no secret that Ingram needs to put on weight, and it is certain the front-office knows it.

Weighing in at 195 pounds after putting on 5 pounds in his lone year at Duke, Ingram knows that he will have to pack on muscle if he is to be successful guarding stronger players in the NBA.

Ingram is smart enough to recognize his weaknesses, it has been reported that the Duke forward is on a strength and conditioning program while also consuming 5,000 calories per day.

Although Ingram will not pack on enough weight before the start of the 2016/17 NBA regular season, he is headed in the right direction by committing to his new workout, and eating like he should. Soon, he will not be bullied by stronger players.

The other top-two ranked prospect in the nation is Ben Simmons from Louisiana State University.

ESPN NBA Insider Chad Ford reveals Simmons’ plans:

Even though Simmons does not plan to work out for Los Angeles or Philadelphia, he is still Bryan Colangelo’s first choice and is likely headed to the 76ers.

To recap, Ingram will be a great fit for soon-to-be head coach Luke Walton, as the forward will be able to stretch the floor, defend, and be part of the Lakers’ already promising young core composed of Jordan Clarkson, D’Angelo Russell, and Julius Randle.

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Not long remains until the 2016 NBA Draft. If everything goes according to plan and Simmons lands in Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Lakers will have in Brandon Ingram the small forward they’ve desperately been missing.