Los Angeles Lakers: Post-Combine 2018 NBA Draft big board
By Jason Reed
4. Jacob Evans, SG, Cincinnati
As you will notice with most of the players on this big board, the Los Angeles Lakers should be inclined to select someone with collegiate experience. Jacob Evans of Cincinnati is also a junior, which will allow him to transition into his role as a role-playing shooting guard more effectively.
Right now, the best-case scenario for the Los Angeles Lakers at shooting guard is Paul George with Brandon Ingram staying at small forward. If that is the case, the Lakers still need to bring in depth as Josh Hart will likely serve as the primary backup to Lonzo Ball at point guard.
The team obviously needs to bring in depth at shooting guard with or without Paul George. However, if the Lakers do need to go the route of a bench role player, Jacob Evans is the way to go.
Evans does not have numbers that will jump off the page. In his junior season at Cincinnati Evans averaged just 13.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. He obviously contributed across the board, but his numbers are the reason why the Lakers would draft him.
Instead, his defensive ability, as well as his ability to create his own shot, makes him an intriguing shooting guard to bring off of the bench. Evans did average over a block and steal per game, so he obviously has an impact on the defensive side of the ball.
As a rookie, Evans is probably in line for 5-7 points per game. Again, that does not jump off the page, but the flexibility he gives the Lakers on defense in the second unit is worth the pick alone.