Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking team’s top needs during 2018 NBA Draft
2. A long, athletic center
Potential fits: Mitchell Robinson, Chimezie Metu
Brook Lopez got the job done in 2017-18. There were some ups and downs, but the Los Angeles native held it down at center. Whether or not he’s re-signed, though, the Lakers need more at the position moving forward.
That does not mean we need to see more of Ivica Zubac. I like the kid, but he’s never going to be anything more than a solid backup. He’s too stiff and doesn’t offer enough range to be successful in today’s NBA. Thomas Bryant has some potential, but even he has his limitations.
More from Los Angeles Lakers
- NBA Trades: The Lakers bolster their frontcourt in this deal with the Pacers
- A surprise LeBron ranking should raise alarm bells for the Lakers
- Surprising Austin Reaves contract detail confirms Lakers got him for a steal
- Instant Grades for the Lakers’ unprecedented Anthony Davis extension
- Report: Lakers have big plans for recent top-10 pick amid roster shakeup
No, what the Lakers need is a long, athletic center who can do a couple of different things. The first is spreading the floor like Lopez did this last season with his impressive range. The other is using length and athleticism to create mismatches in the paint. Whether that’s acting as a shot disruptor or lob man playing high above the rim, the Lakers desperately need that added dimension.
Luckily for them, there are a couple of candidates who could be available during the 2018 NBA Draft.
The one everyone’s been talking about is Mitchell Robinson. Fans everywhere are hoping the former five-star recruit is available at No. 25, but there’s a good chance someone else scoops up the young center who’s ridiculously athletic for his size.
The more reasonable target is Chimezie Metu, who recently worked out for Los Angeles (via Lakers Nation).
I believe the USC product and lifelong Lakers fan is one of the more underrated options in this draft class, largely due to some character concerns and a lack of a truly elite season. However, with tremendous athleticism, good scoring abilities and an improving defensive game, he’s already worked his way onto the Lakers’ radar.