Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons scored 22 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in LSU Tigers 89-85 win over Georgia Bulldogs. Reuters/Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Aussie freshman prodigy Ben Simmons’ dream to start his NBA career with Los Angeles Lakers found its first obstacle during Wednesday’s NBA Draft Lottery.

Philadelphia 76ers won the draft lottery and got first pick while Simmons’ bet LA Lakers got second. According to Fox Sports, the draft order is as follows:

  1. Philadelphia 76ers
  2. Los Angeles Lakers
  3. Boston Celtics
  4. Phoenix Suns
  5. Minnesota Timberwolves
  6. New Orleans Pelicans
  7. Denver Nuggets
  8. Sacramento Kings
  9. Toronto Raptors
  10. Milwaukee Bucks
  11. Orlando Magic
  12. Utah Jazz
  13. Phoenix Suns
  14. ​Chicago Bulls

The New York Times reports that Simmons is a LeBron James in the making with a record of an average 19.2 points, 4.8 assists and 2 steals per game. It’s no secret that Simmons hopes to be part of the LA Lakers. According to News, it’s partly because of the shoe deals that he has been offered from both Nike and Adidas.

Nike reportedly offered a smaller deal but still looks like the preference of Simmons given his history in Nike school Louisiana State University and the sheer number of their athletes at Klutch Sports Group where Simmons is signed.

“Will be interesting to see how Ben Simmons’ camp handles things now. No secret he wants to end up in LA.” DraftExpress.com’s purveyor Jonathan Givony tweets. “Will he visit Philly?”

Simmons’ future is currently unknown because of the 76ers luck who expressed their excitement over the results of the NBA draft lottery. However, a ray of light remains courtesy of the growing talent of Duke’s Brandon Ingram who analysts believe to be better-suited because of his exemplary shooting ability.

Here are some reactions on Twitter:

RELATED STORIES