2024 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Hawks court chaos, Spurs speed up rebuild, Lakers surprise
By Cal Durrett
17) Los Angeles Lakers-Ja'Kobe Walter
The Los Angeles Lakers may very well keep the 17th pick in the draft in the hopes of adding young talent and Ja'Kobe Walter seems like he would be a good fit despite speculation that they might instead take Bronny James. Walter has shown significant scoring potential with his knack for attacking the rim.
He isn't just a slasher; however, he drained 34.1% from three on 6.4 3-point attempts per game, which combined with his size at 6'5 with a 6'10 wing span makes for an intriguing prospect. The Lakers had plenty of positional size and length on their 2023–24 team and while they will probably look much different next season, they will probably still covet size.
Given the Lakers recent draft and developmental track record, they have done more with less and could turn Walter into a good player on both sides of the ball. He might even be able to crack their rotation as a rookie if selected by the Lakers.
Of course, he might not be the only draft prospect to join the Lakers; Bronny James might also be selected by their team, though likely with a second-round pick. Were that to happen, then they'd have a great draft.