2017 NBA Draft: 3 dark horse options for Los Angeles Lakers in top 3

Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona

At this moment, the Lakers don’t necessarily have a huge concern at power forward. Randle is the unquestioned starter after an outstanding 2016-17 campaign, but still has a few shortcomings in his game.

Realistically, Randle only offers so much upside as an offensive threat. Although he tries to be a playmaker and creator, his ballhandling skills aren’t that far above average for power forwards. His shooting and scoring improved this past season, but he’s still a work in progress on defense and can be rather streaky.

If the Lakers wanted an offensive upgrade at the 4-spot, they need look no further than Lauri Markkanen.

The Arizona product is the prototypical stretch-4, possessing elite shooting abilities and sneaky athleticism for a seven-footer. He was a sharpshooter from deep this past season, converting on 42.3 percent of his three-pointers while sinking nearly half of his field goals. Put simply, Markkanen would bring a whole new dimension (and some serious spacing) to the Lakers’ offense.

The best part is he still has so much more room for growth both offensively and defensively. He’s got the size to be a dominant rebounder and rim protector, and obviously offers the sniper skills to earn the Kristaps Porzingis comparisons. He’ll definitely be an intriguing option, especially if he continues to impress during the pre-draft process.