Lakers draft rumors: 3 reasons to go with Dennis Smith Jr.

By Keith Rivas | Jun 12, 2017

Mar 7, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives against Clemson Tigers guard Marcquise Reed (2) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Closing Thoughts

There’s no question that the Lakers’ next draft decision will determine a lot about the immediate future of the franchise. Getting the wrong point guard has the potential to mess with the rest of the core.

Picking up Lonzo Ball could prove to cause chemistry issues. Taking another player that could be a bust in the top five is also not on their to-do list.

With Dennis Smith Jr., the honest feeling is that they already know what they’re getting in him. There won’t be much surprises to his game, but rather just improvements.

Over time, given the staff and front office they have now, Smith Jr. could easily be groomed by Magic Johnson himself. It’ll be Johnson’s opportunity to show he can be involved and step in to help the team grow at the position he used to play.

Next: Three Reasons To Want Tony Allen

If Los Angeles wants to be back in the playoffs as soon as next season, their best bet might very well be Dennis Smith Jr. out of NC State.

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