The Lakers finished with the sixth worst record in the NBA, barring any top three pick who will they draft?
With the Los Angeles Lakers finishing with the NBA’s sixth-worst record, the chances of them landing the lottery pick in May 20th’s NBA Draft are around 6%, according to Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report.
The Lakers also have a 4% chance of falling to the 8th pick in the draft, so we can safely say 5-8 is somewhere they will land. While it is almost guaranteed Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid, Jabari Parker and possibly Julius Randle will all be off the board before the Lakers even have their turn, here are some other intriguing options with upside and downside.
Marcus Smart
Oklahoma State’s combo guard Smart is a prospect many teams including the Lakers will have their eyes on. Smart is a very strong player (220 pounds) and has the ability to play either guard spot. Smart is also an excellent rebounder for his position (5.9 rebounds) and one of the better defenders in college basketball. Smart has a made a mark in college basketball as a tough nosed player that gives it his all when on the floor. Smart’s 3-point shot is a work in progress, as he shot 30% from three this season. The biggest concern with Smart is his much-publicized attitude and inability to control his emotions on the floor, similar to DeMarcus Cousins.
Overall, Smart will be a player that will help a team instantly win with his work ethic.
Dante Exum
Lakers fans will cross their fingers in hopes that Exum will slide in the draft into their team’s hands. Exum might be doing the same as he has made it clear that he would like to become a Lakers player.
Exum is a 6’6″ guard with a tremendous feel for the game. Exum is a smooth player that can score in a variety of ways, whether it’s hitting jumpers or attacking the basket. Exum needs to get a bit stronger – despite his height he has a slim build. If the Lakers draft Exum, he has the potential to be an immediate upgrade over Kendall Marshall in a back up role behind Jordan Farmar on the depth chart.
Noah Vonleh
Vonleh is an interesting prospect as he is one of the few players that are projected to be lottery that still has much for improvement. I believe the Lakers have Vonleh slightly ahead of UCLA‘s Kyle Anderson and Arizona’s Aaron Gordon on their big board. Vonleh is a good athlete with size and a good shooting touch. There aren’t really any weaknesses that stand out in Vonleh’s game – he just isn’t stellar at any category and must be more of a killer on the court.
If the Lakers don’t move into the Top 5 of the draft, expect them to draft one of these players. These three players will be good players at the next level and will help the Lakers win, but I have a hard time seeing any as a franchise changing player.
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