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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Brown Rises to Top-5, Murray Falls Out

By Jay Siskin

Feb 6, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Jaylen Brown (0) tries to get around Stanford Cardinal guard Dorian Pickens (11) in the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports.
Feb 6, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Jaylen Brown (0) tries to get around Stanford Cardinal guard Dorian Pickens (11) in the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports. /
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Duke. Brandon Ingram. 2. player. 20. . SF

Feb 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) with assistant coach Nate James before the game at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 17, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) with assistant coach Nate James before the game at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Laker nation rejoiced on lottery night. Keeping their pick, and ending up with either Simmons or Ingram, is a great start for incoming coach Luke Walton. The Los Angeles Lakers were reluctant to walk away from the NBA draft lottery with the second overall with this Draft class. Many consider to only have  two high-caliber players at the top, Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram, so the Lakers should feel fortunate.

Getting Ingram is a great way to kick off the post-Kobe era for the Los Angeles Lakers. A long athlete who shot 41 percent from 3-point range in one season at Duke who could help out right away. Superstardom isn’t guaranteed in this league, but Ingram’s game has similarities to Kevin Durant. Because when you watch him, it’s easy to see why those comparisons are made.

Ingram would fit perfectly with the Lakers young core constructed of Russell, Clarkson, Randle and Nance. He possess a long, athletic frame with the ability to shoot. He can defend and take slower opponents off the dribble. Ingram’s three-point shooting would give the Lakers a potential dynamic duo with D’Angelo Russell.

Who knows, Ingram could be the missing piece who returns the franchise to the playoffs in the future if they miss out on desirable free agents.

Next: Boston Celtics No. 3