Los Angeles Lakers: 5 options for pick No. 28 in 2017 NBA Draft

1. Semi Ojeleye, SF/PF, SMU

If the Los Angeles Lakers are targeting a true combo forward, they have three options. The first is to target one at the top, taking Kansas’ Josh Jackson or Duke’s Jayson Tatum. The second is to draft-and-stash an international prospect such as Rodion Kurucs or Jonah Bolden.

The third is Semi Ojeleye, the only combo forward with first round upside but enough drawbacks to keep him available for the Lakers at No. 28. Perhaps the best offensive player in the American Conference, Ojeleye lead the Mustangs to the NCAA tournament.

The 6’7″ junior brings the defensive versatility Los Angeles needs to target. He is strong with a low center of gravity, which will allow him to survive on switches. The combination of coaching he received at Duke and SMU have taught him how to move his feet well in cutting off driving lanes, staying in front of opponents and moving his hands without fouling.

Offensively he plays with the same level of intelligence, moving with patience and forcing a defense to adapt to him. He has high-level athleticism, which allows him to finish strong in traffic and pull up into a smooth shooting motion.

Ojeleye is already 22, so his upside isn’t elite. He isn’t a top-level passer, his motor has waned at times, and he probably won’t be a long-term starter for the Lakers. But there’s still a chance he reaches that level, and even if he doesn’t he has the exact positional versatility to fit perfectly on their roster.

Next: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery edition

The Los Angeles Lakers have brought together a young core of high-upside talent, and under the oversight of new team president Magic Johnson there is hope for a brighter future. With their second pick in the first round, the Lakers have the opportunity to address some glaring needs to help their team build a complete roster and rise back up the ranks of the NBA.