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.
Related Story: Grading the Lakers' 2017 draft class after Year 1
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.
Landry Shamet, SG, Wichita State
Yes, the Lakers’ shooting improved as the 2017-18 campaign aged. Lonzo Ball hitting the 3-ball at a more consistent clip certainly helped Los Angeles’ cause. Despite that fact, Magic and Rob will likely be looking for more shooting talent this offseason.
Enter Landry Shamet, who deserves serious consideration at No. 25 overall.
During his days at Wichita State, Shamet maned the point. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if he made the transition to the 2-guard in the NBA. Although he doesn’t possess ideal shooting guard size (6’4″, 190 pounds), his shooting skills more than warrant a first round pick for the former Shocker.
Just look at these numbers — during his junior season, he connected on 56 percent of his field goals, including 44.2 percent from downtown. Shamet also sunk 82.5 percent of his free throws while averaging 14.9 points per game. Put simply, he’s one of the 2018 draft class’ most efficient and effective shooters.
Shamet is limited by his lack of physical tools and athleticism. Chances are he’ll never be anything more than a shooting specialist. However, if the Lakers decide to focus on improving their efficiency from the field, the Wichita State star will absolutely be in the running. He’d be an instant asset for the bench unit, capable of turning the tide with his sharpshooting from deep.
Jalen Brunson, PG, Villanova
If Shamet isn’t the answer to the Lakers’ backcourt depth problem, maybe Jalen Brunson is. A former teammate of Josh Hart at Villanova, the experienced point guard is coming off a national championship run that certainly helped his draft stock.
It’s not just Villanova’s March dominance that has Brunson in the NBA Draft conversation, though. Much like Shamet, he isn’t an elite athlete and isn’t going to light up the scoreboard on a regular basis. However, he’s an intelligent floor general who does a great job of creating opportunities for his teammates while chipping in the occasion basket or five.
On top of that, Brunson is a proven leader and winner. You also have to love the added chemistry he’ll have from Day 1 with Hart. He may not be a home run by any stretch of the imagination, but he’d give the Lakers some quality depth at point guard and leadership off the bench.
There are some obvious disadvantages, though. Brunson falls short in the measurables — he’s small, has short arms and doesn’t possess much explosiveness. Although he can create off the dribble, Brunson tends to get himself in trouble too often, leading to unnecessary turnovers. His defense is solid, but he’s going to have a tough time keeping speedier, more athletic point guards in check at the next level.
Regardless of the Hart connection, Brunson will be a consideration for the Lakers if he’s still available at No. 25.
Jontay Porter, PF/C, Missouri
At this moment, Jontay Porter’s stock is all over the place. I’ve seen him mocked as high as the late lottery, or as low as the beginning of the second round. Pre-draft workouts could dictate his eventual value, but the potential is there for him to slide into the mid-20s come draft day.
The brother of surefire lottery pick Michael Porter Jr., the younger Porter quietly made a name for himself as a freshman big man for Missouri. While his big bro was busy rehabbing from a back injury, he was proving that the talent kept trickling down the family tree.
Despite his 6’11”, 240-pound frame, Porter shows plus athleticism for his size. He’s also a quality shooter from just about anywhere on the floor, giving him some upside as a stretch big man who can occasionally drain it from distance. Especially with Brook Lopez potentially parting, Porter offers the potential to take over his role as the floor-stretching big.
So why is he likely to be available at No. 25? Well, he’s an unpolished prospect who still has a number of areas that must improve. His defense was inconsistent at best, and he tends to play out of control. As promising of a talent as Porter is, he’s still a project at this early stage in his basketball career.
Next: Lakers - Top 10 moments of 2017-18 NBA season
Project or not, Porter could shine sooner rather than later. He surprised during his freshman year at Missouri, and could do the same in the NBA. At the worst, he’s solid depth who can kill it in the G League before earning a prominent role as a sophomore.