Los Angeles Lakers: 5 options for pick No. 25 in 2018 NBA Draft

1. Jontay Porter, PF/C — Missouri

Jontay Porter might not be the first of the Porter brothers drafted, but the Los Angeles Lakers don’t mind; they’d prefer it that way. While Michael Porter Jr. will likely be drafted in the lottery, the Lakers will count themselves lucky if his younger brother Jontay is still available at No. 25.

The 18-year-old big man was originally part of the 2018 NCAA recruiting class, but reclassified to join his brother at Missouri along with his father, who was hired as an assistant coach. Porter averaged 9.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per contest in his freshman year, starting seven of 33 games.

He came on strong late in the year, averaging 16 points and 7.7 rebounds in his last four games of the regular season. He also hit nine 3-pointers in 16 attempts in that same stretch, good for 56 percent.

Though No. 11 is more comfortable facing the basket, he is more than capable of dominating in the low post. He has tremendous footwork for a player his size and is a skilled passer.

Among their many needs, the Los Angeles Lakers could use a big man who can space the floor. Porter fits the mold of today’s NBA center who has 3-point range and is good at the pick-and-roll game. He needs to improve his defense and could add some muscle, but his high ceiling makes him a great value pick so late in the draft.

Next: Lakers: First round guards to target in NBA Draft

If Porter is still on the board when it’s the Lakers’ turn to pick at No. 25, there’s a very good chance he’ll be heading to Los Angeles to start his professional career.