Landry Shamet, PG, Wichita State
With Jordan Clarkson no longer in Los Angeles, the Lakers could be looking for a new backup point guard this offseason. If Isaiah Thomas isn’t re-signed, they’ll need someone capable of stepping in for Lonzo Ball, especially since he hasn’t been able to stay healthy in 2017-18.
Luckily for the Lakers, there should be a number of options available near the end of the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft. This upcoming draft class seems to be overflowing with outstanding frontcourt and wing talent, which should allow some of the better point guards to slide on draft day.
One I’m particularly fond of is Landry Shamet of Wichita State.
What makes him such an intriguing backup option behind Ball? Well he’s got the size (6’4″ point guard), is a very smart player and exceptional passer, and is a lights-out shooter. His overall physical tools aren’t as elite as Ball’s, but his sharpshooter accuracy would be a welcomed addition to this Los Angeles bench.
So far this season, he’s shooting 49.4 percent from the field, 45.3 percent from 3-point land and has a 66 true shooting percentage. Considering the Lakers’ struggles from the field this year, Shamet would be an immediate upgrade in the shooting department.