Los Angeles Lakers: Second round gems to target in 2018 NBA Draft

The 2018 NBA Draft could pose a prime opportunity for the Los Angeles Lakers to uncover another hidden gem with their second round pick.

Winning the draft is never easy. The Los Angeles Lakers, however, seem to have it down to a science. So why should we expect anything different from the franchise during the 2018 NBA Draft?

Currently in possession of the No. 25 and No. 47 overall picks, the Lakers are in prime position to add some intriguing pieces to their bench. Based on what they’ve done with picks in this range in recent years, it wouldn’t come as any surprise to see Magic Johnson‘s group uncover another hidden gem or two on June 21.

Seriously, this Lakers scouting staff may be one of the best in the league.

Since 2015, they’ve drafted Larry Nance Jr., Ivica Zubac, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart — all in the 27-32 range. The general assumption is that’s the point in the draft when the talent starts to dry up. And yet, Los Angeles has made a habit of finding quality contributors (and rising stars) in that area between the end of the first round and beginning of the second round.

Today, though, I want to focus on the Lakers’ 2018 second round pick, originally owned by the Denver Nuggets. Although it doesn’t fall into that aforementioned sweet spot, Jesse Buss and his staff should have no trouble pinpointing a couple of prospects that can quickly develop into a quality bench piece.

Related Story: Big-name free agents Lakers must avoid

With that in mind, I’ve decided to do some pinpointing of my own. I believe the following three players could all be available (although that could change during the 2018 NBA Draft Combine) for the Lakers with the No. 47 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, and possess the talent to be viewed as hidden gems a couple of years from now.