Even if the Los Angeles Lakers lose their lottery pick, they’ll still have an opportunity to add an impact player at the end of the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft.
Since the end of the regular season, the focus has been on how the Los Angeles Lakers will spend their early first round pick — if the lottery even allows them to keep it. However, folks seem to be overlooking the fact that the Lakers also own a late first-round pick as well.
Los Angeles swapped Lou Williams for the Houston Rockets‘ first round pick and Corey Brewer right before the 2017 NBA Trade Deadline. Although the loss of Williams was a huge blow to the Lakers’ offensive firepower, it gave them more draft assets and building blocks. When you look at the 2017 NBA Draft class, it’s easy to imagine the selection turning into a quality contributor.
There are a number of intriguing late first round talents who should be available at No. 28 overall. That’s the point in the draft where many role players are drafted, and hidden gems can be found. I’m sure the Lakers will be holding out hope they can turn the pick into a productive part of this roster.
Either way, it gives this franchise another opportunity to get better. Especially if they end up losing their top-three pick, it’ll be all the more valuable to this ongoing rebuild.
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With that in mind, here are a few prospects who could be legitimate options for the Lakers at No. 28 overall. All of them stand a decent chance of sliding, but offer the talent and upside this Los Angeles squads needs more of heading into the 2017-18 campaign.