Los Angeles Lakers 2018 NBA Draft profile: Grayson Allen
By Jason Reed
Grayson Allen may go down as one of the most hated Duke players ever (Hello, Christian Laettner!) and may end up on the Los Angeles Lakers.
Duke basketball just breeds players that you love to hate. The latest reincarnation of this phenomenon, Grayson Allen, is entering the 2018 NBA Draft as a potential first-round candidate. The Los Angeles Lakers, who are selecting 25th in the draft, could be one of the teams potentially interested in Allen.
Allen played all four seasons at Duke, with his sophomore year being his best. That year, Allen averaged 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. His senior year, Allen scored 15.5 a game while averaging 4.6 assists and 3.3 rebounds.
In all four seasons, Allen displayed decent efficiency shooting the basketball. Allen was a 43 percent shooter in college and a 39 percent shooter from beyond the arc.
More from LA Sports Hub
- Lakers: 5 Players to Target Through Trades to make another championship run
- LA Chargers: Week 8 against Denver Broncos is a must-win
- LA Rams: Jared Goff wants to keep the Los Angeles title streak going
- Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Rajon Rondo
- LA Chargers: Justin Herbert wins AFC Rookie of the Month
Allen’s athleticism and ability to catch and shoot and score off the dribble will carry him to be a decent NBA role player.
Allen did struggle at defender quicker and more athletic guard in college, something that will only get worse with the transition to the NBA. Of course, perhaps the biggest concern in Allen’s unfavorable reputation as a dirty player.
Allen has had an issue with tripping players. No, this is not hockey, he is not interfering with a skater with his stick. He is having a Draymond Green-esque motor and mindset, sometimes without the same ferocity to back it up.
The biggest concern here is how Allen will fit into a young Lakers team that is just starting to gel, especially one that may be looking to add superstars. Some already point to LaVar Ball as a headache, Allen would only add fuel to the fire.
But man, wouldn’t a LaVar Ball-Grayson Allen fued over Allen not passing Lonzo the Ball being something hilarious to watch?
If Allen and the Lakers can put those issues aside, Allen would be a smart selection in the second round. In the first round, it is a bit more of a risk, but he may not be available in the second. Allen would be a smart first-round choice if the Lakers already have a starting shooting guard established. If not, the team should look more for starting caliber players.
At the end of the day, Allen will be a great role player off the bench that can score in frenzies. In the right system, like Isaiah Thomas (although not as severe), Allen’s bad defense can be masked.