Magic Johnson: LSU’s Ben Simmons best prospect since LeBron James

Former NBA star Magic Johnson weighed in on LSU freshman Ben Simmons on Tuesday night, calling him the best NBA prospect since LeBron James.

Former NBA star Magic Johnson weighed in on LSU freshman Ben Simmons on Tuesday night, calling him the best NBA prospect since LeBron James.

“LSU’s Ben Simmons is the best all around player I’ve seen since LeBron James came out of high school straight to the NBA!” Johnson tweeted Tuesday. “Whatever team selects Ben Simmons, will be getting a player that will have an immediate impact on their squad!”

If Simmons enters this year’s NBA draft, he is already favored as the No. 1 pick.

• GARDNER: LSU ambushes No. 9 Kentucky in impressive upset

In LSU’s 85–67 upset of No. 9 Kentucky on Tuesday night, Simmons scored 14 points with 10 assists in 27 minutes on the court. Simmons leads the Tigers with averages of 20.1 points, 12.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 33.6 minutes per game through 14 games.

The 9–5 Tigers next face Florida (9–4) on Saturday.

- Erin Flynn