Los Angeles Lakers: 3 underrated NBA Draft options at No. 25

The Los Angeles Lakers have a knack for striking gold with late first round draft picks. Can they find another underrated talent to spend the No. 25 selection on n the 2018 NBA Draft?

In recent years, we’ve seen the Los Angeles Lakers‘ scouting department display an uncanny ability of turning late first round picks into draft steals. They did so with players like Larry Nance Jr., Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart. Can they do it again in the 2018 NBA Draft?

At the moment, they’re armed with the No. 25 overall selection during the draft, set to take place on June 21. Although there’s been plenty of chatter about players like Mitchell Robinson and Jalen Brunson being in their crosshairs, I want us to all keep an open mind. Chances are, the Lakers are going to go in a different direction than we expect.

At a point in the draft where so many things will have gone a different direction than predicted, it’s best to cast a wide net on potential targets. I’ve already looked at dream targets for Los Angeles. Now I’m going to turn my attention to incoming rookies who I believe fall into the “underrated” category.

Keep in mind, though, that there are so many mixed opinions when it comes to the 2018 NBA Draft. Someone who I claim is underrated may be a potential lottery pick in someone else’s book. For the players I’m about to mention, though, I’ve seen them mocked as second round picks at least a few times — hence the “underrated” label.

Related Story: Hot takes on futures of Ball, Ingram and Kuzma

So let’s do it — let’s get a wider view of who could be on the Lakers’ radar at No. 25. I believe these underrated players are all worthy of the pick, and would bring something unique to this roster.