Los Angeles Lakers: 3 bold predictions for the 2018 NBA Draft

Lakers buy pick No. 34, select Shake Milton

After getting Porter in the first round, the Lakers are left with two glaring needs to address. The first is the lack of starting-caliber talent at center. The other is the lack of a quality backup point guard who can provide depth behind Ball.

Well, instead of waiting around until pick No. 47, the Lakers decide to pull the ol’ “buy a pick” routine. They did it back in 2016 when they essentially bought Jordan Clarkson from the Wizards. Now, they do it again, dishing out cold, hard cash to acquire the talents of Shake Milton with the Atlanta Hawks’ No. 34 pick.

Boy, what an addition the SMU point guard would be for the Lakers.

What I really like about Milton is his potential to develop into a feisty two-way threat off the bench. He’s an electric scorer who shot 43.4 percent from long range in 2017-18, helping him to put up 18 points per game for the Mustangs. His passing is a work in progress, but the efficiency he shows on the defensive end makes him a talent worth targeting.

Last year, the Golden State Warriors paid the Chicago Bulls $3.5 million for the right to draft Jordan Bell at No. 38 overall. Seeing as the Maximum Annual Cash Limit for the 2018-19 season should be about $5.3 million (via CBAFAQ.com), it could cost the Lakers even more to get Milton than the Warriors paid.

In the end, though, it’s a small price for an outstanding guard prospect. The Lakers fill a significant need, give themselves insurance behind Ball, and get to keep their other second round pick. Speaking of the No. 47 pick…