Los Angeles Lakers: 5 2nd-Round Prospects

Malcolm Brogdon, G, Virginia

The Lakers will likely select their small forward of the future with their second pick regardless of who the Philadelphia 76ers take No. 1 overall, but the team could still stand to improve on the wing, primarily with their three-point shooting and perimeter defense.

These needs make a player like UVA’s Malcolm Brogdon a solid candidate to be selected with the 32nd pick.

The reigning ACC Player of the Year has shown immense ability to create his own shot (18.2 points per game last season), but at the very least he can be relied upon as a solid deep shooting threat (shot 39.1 percent from three) and an excellent perimeter defender.

Brogdon benefits from the tutelage of collegiate defensive guru Tony Bennett and starring on a Virginia Cavaliers squad that was second in the country in scoring defense (60.1 points allowed per game).

Brogdon also has the size at 6-foot-6 and 223 pounds to play both wing positions offensively and guard both defensively.

Brogdon’s game is similar to that of Golden State Warriors forward and former ACC player Harrison Barnes in that he provides reliable outside shooting and defense, but can also serve as a scoring threat when necessary.

The Lakers would love to add a player of his caliber to a bench and overall roster that lacks defensive ability.

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