The Los Angeles Lakers are the 2019-20 NBA champions, but it’s never too early to look ahead to next season. Who should the team target in the NBA Draft?
Los Angeles Lakers fans should take their time enjoying the franchise’s 17th NBA championship. It’s never too early to look ahead to next season, however, especially one that could begin as soon as January. Even closer on the horizon is the NBA Draft, which is scheduled for Nov. 18, just over a month away.
The Lakers have one pick (No. 28) in the upcoming draft. Which prospects should the team target? Before diving into specific players, there are a few things worth keeping in mind.
1. Draft Motivations
The Lakers are clearly in win-now mode, so it makes sense to consider prospects that could contribute to the team’s success as soon as next season (the target list will be constructed with primarily this in mind). That said, this caliber of player might be in short supply at No. 28, so a lot of other motivations could come into play.
The front office might trade the pick, target a developmental prospect or simply choose the best player available regardless of team need. Additionally, depending on how free agency plays out, the Lakers might not have much (if any) room on the roster for their draft pick. Spending time in the G League or abroad (draft-and-stash) might end up being best for the player’s development.
2. Lack Of Clarity On Next Season’s Roster
The Lakers only have six players currently under contract for next season: LeBron James, Danny Green, Quinn Cook, Alex Caruso, Kyle Kuzma and Talen Horton-Tucker. None are locked in past next season either. In 2021, James has a player option, Kuzma and Horton-Tucker will be restricted free agents, and Green, Caruso and Cook will enter unrestricted free agency.
Five players have player options for 2020 they could opt into: Anthony Davis ($28.8m), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($8.5m), Rajon Rondo ($2.6m), Avery Bradley ($5.0m) and Javale McGee ($4.2m). Each of Dwight Howard, Markieff Morris and Jared Dudley are unrestricted free agents this offseason.
Davis is likely to opt-out of his contract but quickly re-sign with the Lakers. There isn’t as much clarity regarding the rest of the roster, however. It’s possible the goodwill created by an NBA championship will lead to most if not all the free agents returning, but who knows?
If free agency took place before the draft, the Lakers would have a much clearer picture of the final roster. Given that it comes after, however, the front office will have to make educated guesses about how free agency will play out. This is the only way to properly discuss the team’s needs heading into the draft.