3 prospects the Lakers can't afford to pass on in the NBA Draft

1) Kel'el Ware | Center | Indiana

SNY's Ian Begley reported earlier this offseason that the Lakers are monitoring their options at center, both through the draft and otherwise. While center may not seem to be the most pressing need for the Lakers, it remains a need regardless. Not only because the play of backup centers past has not been up to par, but because there could be a notable change under new head coach JJ Redick.

According to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, it was Anthony Davis who was involved the most in the team's coaching search, not LeBron James. While Pelinka's notion that LeBron was not involved in the Lakers' hiring of his podcast partner should be met with nothing but the grandest of eye-rolls, the idea that Davis was a apart of the decision to hire Redick could signal change next season.

Lakers' star Anthony Davis has made it clear over his years in LA that his preference is to play power forward, not center. Yet, he has played almost exclusively at the five. With a strong assortment of centers set to be available at or around the Lakers' 17th pick, the opportunity is abundant to land a player who could eventually grow into a starting role.

Yves Missi, DaRon Holmes, and Zach Edey all have their appeal, but if there's one player whose two-way potential stands out, it's Kel'el Ware.

Standing just under seven feet without shoes with a wingspan of 7'4.5", Ware boasts elite size that allows him to succeed both as a paint defender and rim protector and as a threat down low offensively. Ware has also shown the potential to grow as a stretch big and has the ability to grow into a plus-level facilitator.

The combination of Ware's size and skill, suggests Ware could be a legitimate starter in the NBA. The biggest question mark around him continues to be his desire and motor, something that will have to improve for him to truly reach his potential.

Boasting a high IQ and elite touch around the rim, Ware is ready-made for the next level, he just has to want it bad enough.