2022 NBA Draft Grades for all 15 teams in the Western Conference

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 03: Max Christie #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after a 80-69 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena on March 03, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

2022 NBA Draft Grades for the Western Conference: Los Angeles Lakers

Picks: Max Christie, Wing, Michigan State (35)

The Los Angeles Lakers have stripped bare their draft assets and were without a pick in this year’s draft, but on the day of the draft, they traded a future second-round pick and cash to the Orlando Magic to acquire the 35th pick in the draft.

They used that pick on Max Christie, a young wing out of Michigan State, who projects as a player who will need a year or two to contribute. He has a great shot and good backcourt size, but he can’t do much with the ball in his hands. For a Lakers team looking for role players, perhaps he can catch on quickly.

Their original first-round pick went to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the Anthony Davis deal. It landed at eighth, gifting the Pelicans a player in Dyson Daniels who is a perfect fit and could end up starting for a team deep in the playoffs.

Grade: C

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