Los Angeles Lakers: Early look at realistic NBA Draft options at No. 25

Now that we know the Los Angeles Lakers own the No. 25 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, let’s look at some realistic prospects they could targeting with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ selection.

Yes, the Los Angeles Lakers‘ 2017-18 season is over. While 16 other NBA fanbases are eagerly awaiting their team’s next playoff games, followers of the Lake Show are starting to gear up for what could be a rather chaotic offseason.

Before we can get to the madness of 2018 NBA free agency, we’ll need to transverse the bridge that is the 2018 NBA Draft. While it may not be as exciting for Lakers fans as it has been in recent years, they still own first and second round picks. If last year’s haul is any indicator, Los Angeles could soon have another steal on its hands.

At this moment, the Lakers own the No. 25 overall pick, acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers in the trade that sent Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. to Ohio. It’s not the No. 2 pick like Los Angeles has owned for three straight years, but it could very well yield a key piece to the puzzle. Just look at the damage the Lakers did with the No. 27 and No. 30 picks last June.

So who could be on the club’s radar at No. 25? It’s an intriguing question, especially because the NBA Draft becomes a guessing game that far down the first round. The good news is this Lakers scouting staff has a knack for unearthing diamonds at that point in the night.

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For now, though, let’s try to put ourselves in Magic Johnson‘s shoes and pinpoint a few realistic candidates who could get the call at No. 25. It’s my belief that all of these players are likely to be available that late in the first round, but keep in mind that a lot can change between now and June 21.