5 players Los Angeles Lakers need to target

March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) reacts during the 82-68 loss against Oregon Ducks during the second half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 12, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) looks on from the court in the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies during the SEC conference tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Ben Simmons, PF, LSU

While the odds of Ben Simmons dropping past the No. 1 overall pick to the Lakers are almost impossible, the Lakers need to be prepared for the fact that it’s the draft and anything can happen that night.

Let’s say that the 76ers evaluate their roster and figure they have way too much depth up front and believe Brandon Ingram is the better fit for them, then the Lakers would have Simmons fall into their lap and that’s not a bad situation to fall into either.

Just because Ingram is most likely the guy, doesn’t mean the Lakers shouldn’t do their studying on Simmons and figure out how the best way to throw him into the mix either. If that chance arises that Simmons is wearing purple and gold, then the Lakers better be prepared to figure out just how they’re going to build around him.

Things might be a little interesting with Julius Randle on the roster and while they’re far different players, the Lakers might consider making deals to exchange some of the young talent on their roster for talent on other rosters that might end up making more sense for them.

Of all the problems for a team to have, this is one of those problems that teams hope they have.

Next: 3. Zhou Qi

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