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

By Jason Reed

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)
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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(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Shake Milton, G, SMU

Perhaps the Los Angeles Lakers do not address the team’s need for a guard in the first round and draft Mitchell Robinson instead. Or, perhaps the Lakers want to double-down and add as much guard help as possible considering that Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart are the only two real contributors at the guard positions.

If so, then Shake Milton becomes a very interesting prospect if he is still on the board when it is the Lakers’ second turn to pick.

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Milton is a combo guard that could play both point and shooting guard for SMU last season. While he was more natural at the two, his natural talent allowed him to run the offense at the collegiate level decently.

However, in the NBA, Milton should be much better off the ball rather than being a primary ball handler. While he is talented, Milton lacks any true dribble moves and has not proven to be a good facilitator, especially to the NBA’s standards.

However, with a six-foot-five frame and nearly a seven-foot wingspan, Milton and his smooth jumper is a perfect catch and shoot specialist for the NBA.

While he will not be a Kyle Korver coming off of the bench and getting hot, he could thrive as just the second option on the second unit.

That may only amount to six to nine points early on in his career but Milton can come in and knock down threes off the bench. Milton can defend just fine in isolation and should be better in the team setting with the proper coaching.

Plus, he is going to have an easier time being primarily matched up against other teams’ bench units.

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The Los Angeles Lakers would not be getting someone that can help in all areas and truly be a star off of the bench. However, the Lakers could pick up the vital three-point specialist role by drafting Shake Milton in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft.

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