2024 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Hawks play it safe, Wizards go big, Spurs fill two needs
By Cal Durrett
17) Los Angeles Lakers-Ja'Kobe Walter
The Los Angeles Lakers are fortunate to have a first-round pick in this year's draft after the New Orleans Pelicans opted to defer receiving their pick until 2025. That gives the Lakers an opportunity to add a cheap prospect, and they may choose Ja'Kobe Walter with the 17th pick.
Although many expect the Lakers to pick Bronny James, the son of superstar LeBron James, in this year's draft, reaching to select him at 17 would be risky, and they could acquire a second-round pick to be in a position to land him.
Assuming that they do, then adding both Walter and James would be nice additions, though we will focus solely on Walter here. His shot creation would make for an intriguing fit with his ability to effortlessly attack the basket and shoot off the dribble.
Better still, despite him shooting around 34.1% from three on 6.4 3-point attempts per game, he took a number of shots off the dribble and should be better playing off the ball with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. That scoring potential combined with his size at 6'5 with a 6'10 wing span suggests that he might be able to defend, all of which would make him a possible steal at 17.