Los Angeles Lakers: 5 options for pick No. 4 in 2019 NBA Draft

2. R.J. Barrett

Last summer the Los Angeles Lakers decided not to prioritize talent or fit, and it likely doomed their season from the start. When they go into this draft and the offseason as a whole, they need to pick one or the other (or if possible, both). A player such as Darius Garland is a great fit, but his overall talent level cannot approach that of R.J. Barrett.

The son of a professional basketball player and godson of Steve Nash, Barrett has been groomed for this for years. He has been dominant at every level, from growing up in Canada to the AAU circuit to USA Basketball. Although he did not win a title at Duke, he and his fellow freshman led the Blue Devils to within a shot of the Final Four.

Those who like Barrett see someone who is ultra-talented, with a superb NBA body and all of the skills one would want. Those with concerns will point to inefficiency and lackadaisical defense. Barrett took a lot of shots at Duke, and many of them did not go in. Is he destined to just be a chucker at the NBA level?

That seems unlikely, and Barrett has plenty of room to grow as well. He can absolutely take over a basketball game, and does not seem afraid of the moment. He could be the second ball-handler the Lakers have tried to find to place alongside James. He could also be an empty calories offensive player with no defensive bite. If the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks pass on him, the Los Angeles Lakers will have their decision to make.