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

Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona

In my opinion, the Lakers could benefit from the presence of a stretch-4. Julius Randle has done what he can to widen his range and be a more effective scorer over the past couple of years. Unfortunately, that hasn’t quite gone as planned up to this point.

That’s where a talent like Lauri Markkanen makes a ton of sense. The Arizona product is a long, rangy power forward with a remarkable shooting stroke. No matter where he is on the floor, there’s a good chance he’s going to sink it. Just ask his 49.2 field goal and 42.3 three-point percentages from his first and only season with the Wildcats.

Imagine what a true sharpshooter in the frontcourt would look like for the Lakers. Not only would he give this offense more versatility, but he’d help space the floor for players like Russell, Clarkson, and Brandon Ingram (or maybe Lonzo Ball?) to get into the paint.

Now there are some obvious concerns when it comes to Markkanen. Despite his 7’0″ height, he’s an average defender at best who doesn’t excel at blocking shots or cleaning the glass. I’m a firm believer that this Lakers team needs to get better on the defensive end, and Markkanen obviously goes against that mindset.

Next: 3 Reasons Lakers must be wary of Lonzo Ball

Despite that, the offense he brings to the table is worth the risk. He can score in so many ways, and does it very efficiently. It’s highly unlikely he makes it out of the top 10, but that doesn’t mean the Lakers can’t dream about the possibility of him being available at No. 28.