2017 NBA Draft: 3 options for Los Angeles Lakers at No. 28 overall

Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) reacts during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) reacts during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Hamidou Diallo, SG, Kentucky

Before we dive too deeply into this one, there’s something you need to know about Hamidou Diallo.

Following in the footsteps of Thon Maker, the electric shooting guard prospect avoided the typical one-and-done approach for top prospects. Instead, he enrolled at Kentucky in January but never actually played for the Wildcats–Diallo just practiced with the team during their tournament run.

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That essentially makes him a none-and-done player, taking an unorthodox approach to the NBA’s rule on players needing to be a year removed from high school. And despite not playing in a game in months, it appears he could hear his name called in the first round.

Why? Because Diallo is an absurd athlete who recently lit up the 2017 NBA Combine. He’s got ridiculous hops, is extremely quick and shows rare explosiveness. Combine that with his intriguing skill set and 19 years of age, and you’ve got a project who could develop into one of the NBA’s most exciting 2-guards.

After trading away Williams this offseason, the Lakers are looking rather thin at guard. They’ve obviously got D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, but could use more weapons off the bench. Theoretically, Diallo could come in and learn behind those two with the potential to take over as a starter not far down the road.

This would be a risky move, but the potential gains of drafting Diallo would make it a worthwhile gamble.

Note: Diallo hasn’t officially declared for the draft. He has until March 24 to sign with an agent, or return to the college ranks.