Los Angeles Lakers: Second-round prospects that could make a difference

By Jason Reed | Jun 5, 2018

HARTFORD, CT - MARCH 11: Ben Emelogu II #21 of the Southern Methodist Mustangs celebrates with Shake Milton #1 after hitting a three point shot during the championship game of the AAC Basketball Tournament against the Cincinnati Bearcats at the XL Center on March 11, 2017 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 09: Chimezie Metu (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Chimezie Metu, PF, USC

The Los Angeles Lakers may be opting to stay local with the second-round pick by selecting USC power forward Chimezie Metu. Metu was USC’s best player last year and led them to a great season that should have resulted in an NCAA Tournament berth.

And while he is raw and definitely has his own share of criticisms, Metu would pose as a decent bench candidate to bring in if Julius Randle signs with another team and the Lakers do not match the offer sheet.

With Larry Nance Jr. no longer on the roster, the Lakers really don’t have any security at the power forward position if Randle walks. While the team does have Kyle Kuzma, the team would also have virtually no bench behind him.

Metu’s range is right around where the Lakers are picking in the second round. Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated has Metu as the 42nd best prospect on his big board. Right in the 46 ballpark that the Lakers are currently sitting in.

Metu is decent from mid-range and may struggle at rebounding at the NBA level. However, he could be an extremely effective pick and roll/pop combo with Lonzo Ball, not only hitting shots but being on the receiving end of a lob.

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