NBA Draft 2017: Five prospects the Lakers need to keep an eye on

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January 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Allonzo Trier (35) controls the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Allonzo Trier

Here’s a surprise name I’m sure you weren’t expecting to see. While there’s tons of buzz around the more common names, Trier is a player that Los Angeles could find useful.

As the point guard experiment with D’Angelo Russell continues to change things, the Lakers may need to start looking for depth and not just starter potential. Should Russell end up at shooting guard next season or for the long term, making sure they’re strong at that position is key.

For the time being, Jordan Clarkson could step in at point guard if no other options come up. Los Angeles will also have free agency to try and make some moves for a star there if it doesn’t come through the draft.

Allonzo Trier mins after the game, "That's the furthest thing from my mind, tough game to swallow"
Lonzo Ball Declared for the NBA pic.twitter.com/oWWCTPiG2V
— ZonaZealotsFS (@ZonaZealots) March 25, 2017

In this past season, Trier put up averages of 17.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. The Wildcats were stunned by Xavier in the tournament, but that doesn’t take away from what he brings to the table.

Also, Trier is a special case in this draft class for another reason — he’s not a one and done. Unlike some of the players ranked above him, he stayed for two years at the University of Arizona.

One of the benefits that the Lakers would get from drafting Trier is a chance at getting maturity right away. If not, the Lakers wouldn’t lose out on a whole lot if they pick somebody else.

If there were to be a wild card on draft night for the Lakers, though, it’d be him.

He’s ranked 12th overall by CBS Sports.

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