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2018 NBA Draft: More options for Los Angeles Lakers with Cleveland Cavaliers’ pick

By Gil Alcaraz IV

SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 16: Jalen Hudson #3 of the Florida Gators looks on against the Clemson Tigers during the MetroPCS Orange Bowl Basketball Classic at BB&T Center on December 16, 2017 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FL - DECEMBER 16: Jalen Hudson #3 of the Florida Gators looks on against the Clemson Tigers during the MetroPCS Orange Bowl Basketball Classic at BB&T Center on December 16, 2017 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images
Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images /

2. Jalen Hudson, SG, Florida

One of the biggest weaknesses of this current Lakers lineup is shooting. While that could change if the Lakers make the splash they’re hoping for during free agency, it wouldn’t hurt to get the process started during the 2018 NBA Draft.

There are a couple of fitting prospects to consider toward the end of the first round. However, there’s one in particular I think could make an early impact for the Lakers. You guessed it — I’m talking about Jalen Hudson, a shooting guard from Florida.

Put simply, the kid is lights out in the shooting department. At this moment, he’s shooting 44.8 percent from the field and 40.2 from downtown. While those numbers are against college competition with a college 3-point line, it’s difficult to deny that Hudson owns a silky-smooth stroke and a knack for finding the bottom of the net.

With Jordan Clarkson gone and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope unlikely to re-sign, the Lakers need more options at guard. While Hudson is more of your traditional 2-guard, he would be an immediate upgrade from a shooting standpoint. Seeing as Los Angeles is currently the second-worst 3-point shooting team in the league (via NBA.com), Hudson seems like a perfect fit.

It seems like Hudson is getting mocked more in the beginning of the second round. However, if he continues to sling it with this type of consistency, the Lakers could easily consider him in the late 20s.

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