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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 Leon Bennett/Getty Images
Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images /

1. Chimezie Metu, PF/C, USC

As previously mentioned, the Lakers could be in need of more frontcourt talent this offseason. Barring a big-name free agency addition or a couple of re-signings, I could easily see them spending the Cavaliers’ pick on a big man.

Fernando isn’t the only intriguing one who could still be available at this point in the draft. Another I’m interested in seeing at the next level is USC’s Chimezie Metu, who came into the current season with sky-high expectations.

The former four-star recruit has been outstanding for the Trojans this season. With that being said, he hasn’t been a superstar. Metu is currently averaging 15.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 52 percent from the field.

His skill-set reminds me a bit of Randle as an undersized, athletic big with improving scoring skills and excellent rebounding talents. We’ve seen significant improvement from him so far this season, but more is needed before he’s ready to be anything more than a rotational player. For now, though, I think we’ve seen enough to warrant a look at the end of the first round.

Next: 2017-18 Week 20 NBA Power Rankings

What I also like about Metu is he has experience. As a junior, he’s got more polish than most of the other prospects slated to hear than names in the first round. Going for experience paid off when the Lakers drafted Kyle Kuzma back in June. Why not take a similar approach and select Metu?

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