Mitch has said he'll bring in over 100, maybe as much as 140+ players for the 32nd pick. He said there's probably 5-6 players they're going to look at for the 2nd pick. http://www.twcsportsnet.com/videos/2016/05/17/access-sportsnet-mitch-kupchak-interview-draft-lottery
Second part of your post worries me. There's only one player we should look at, the one that's left of Ingram/Simmons. No need to get "cute", damn it. Do not overthink this!
Shouldn't worry you at all. We've got to check just in case. The vast majority of NBA people say we missed on Russell and should have gotten Porzingis (not even Okafor which is strange). We've got to do our due diligence and make sure there's no Porzingis out there whether that's Bender or Dunn or Brown or Hield.
Maybe Jim, Mitch, Luke and West want to make sure both Simmons and Ingram are sure to bring their A-games for their auditions. Like reportedly Russell did and Okafor didn't last year. Just a thought. Otherwise I would be concerned too.
Personally no, but we're all biased Laker fans. Almost anybody else in the NBA circles would for various reasons. That's not really my point though. It's best to have all the information in front of you than not. The Lakers need to look at Bender, Dunn, Poetl, Hield as well as Simmons and Ingram. Make sure they have the kid they think they have.
Excellent news coming from Ding. Last year Woj and Ramona, both crem de la crem of credibility were both insisting the Lakers would take Okafor while Ding said Russell. Let's hope Simmons doesn't blow out his knee during workouts or something. I'm heavily favoring Ingram!
this the lakers needed a guy like russell. someone who can be our james harden or steph curry. those guys rule today's NBA and we badly needed our guy. russell is going to develop into a star. i believe that 100% as long as his head is in the right place. the talent is all there and the right people are in place for him to develop properly and there's no way they're drafting anyone who's not simmons/ingram. they'll look at every option but this draft is all about those two guys
I really hope Thon Maker stays a second round projection. A project for sure, but definitely a player with a lot of tools to work with.
Every team does this so in the future they have info on players who are FA's or trade targets. I got the impression they're bringing in 100-150 total for both picks.
I recall reading some people (jokingly) questioning Ingram's character because of all of his tattoos. Here's a good article that elaborates on his character, the meaning behind some of his tattoos, and how he's really into drawing and fishing. http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-brandon-ingram-lakers-draft-20160306-story.html