Los Angeles Lakers: Way-too-early redrafting of 2017 NBA Draft picks

No. 27: Kyle Kuzma –> Derrick White

I know. Why the hell would I give up Kyle Kuzma, the steal of the 2017 NBA Draft, for Derrick White? Don’t worry, there’s more on that later. For now, just focus on why I went with the San Antonio Spurs’ first-round pick.

After skipping on Ball at No. 2, the Lakers need more options at point guard. They could theoretically have spent more of their cap space on a veteran point guard following the draft. However, instead of hoping someone was willing to sign a one-year deal at a discount, the Lakers could simply go with White.

While White hasn’t played much among the Spurs’ deep backcourt (47 total minutes), he has looked good in four G League games. He’s currently averaging 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal per game for the Austin Spurs. The playmaking isn’t there yet, but he’s shooting lights out from the field (46.3 percent) and has played some solid defense as well.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any better point guards available at this juncture. I could have gone with Frank Mason III, who’s seen some action through the first couple of months. His shooting has been subpar, though, and his assist totals haven’t been much better.

Jordan Clarkson can step in as the starting point guard and Tyler Ennis can serve as the main backup while White develops. The Colorado product hasn’t done much in the NBA up to this point, but chances are he’s going to make a name for himself eventually if Gregg Popovich had confidence in his potential.