2017 NBA Draft: 3 dream targets for Los Angeles Lakers at No. 28

Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky

Chances are the Lakers grab a point guard with the No. 2 overall pick. Who knows what’ll happen with D’Angelo Russell from there, but that’s none of my concern at this moment. What I’m concerned with is the lack of a pure playmaker at shooting guard — assuming Russell doesn’t slide over.

Sure, you can say that Jordan Clarkson is a capable combo guard. Realistically, though, I believe he’s a better sixth man at this moment. He brings outstanding leadership and scoring abilities off the bench, while giving the Lakers a fallback plan if/when the starting point guard gets hurt. That’s why Malik Monk would be an excellent addition for Los Angeles.

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Monk is easily the best scoring threat of the 2017 draft class. Not only is he a sharpshooter from anywhere on the court, but he uses his ridiculous athleticism to create space and work his way into the paint. When he gets there, the Kentucky product is more than capable of ferociously throwing it down with his absurd leaping ability.

At the next level, Monk will need some work on defense. The athleticism and lateral quickness certainly help, but it’s often the mental aspects on that end that elude him. He doesn’t always give consistent effort, and needs to work on his awareness off the ball. Still, the skills are there for him to be a difference-maker on defense as well.

In reality, Monk shouldn’t make it out of the top 10. However, in this dream world we’re currently living in, the Lakers stand a legitimate chance of nabbing him at No. 28. What a tremendous addition he’d be to an offense that’s already undergone significant improvements in recent years.