Los Angeles Lakers: Draft prospects to stay away from in the first round
By Jason Reed
There has been plenty of speculation leading up to the 2018 NBA Draft. Here are three players that the Los Angeles Lakers should avoid in the first round.
The Los Angeles Lakers have the potential to draft a difference maker with the 25th overall pick. With a potential super team coming to LA, the Lakers are going to need to draft to their needs. Los Angeles also needs a rookie that is ready to contribute now, not someone who is going to take many years to develop.
Right now, the obvious needs in the Lakers’ depth chart are at shooting guard and center. Los Angeles has no real shooting guard option besides Josh Hart, who fits better on the bench in the combo guard role. At center, the Lakers have Ivica Zubac and Thomas Bryant. Julius Randle could help there if the Lakers decide to re-sign the restricted free agent.
Since the Lakers’ pick is so deep in the draft, it is hard to predict who is still going to be available. With 24 picks ahead of LA, there are so many different possibilities that can play out that the Lakers have to create a lengthy list of guys that they want to draft if they are still available.
You’ve probably read countless different articles listing who the Lakers should be considering in the 2018 NBA Draft. On the opposite end of the spectrum, here are three players that the Los Angeles Lakers should avoid with their first-round pick.
Of course, these are all going to be prospects that will likely be selected around the 25th overall pick. You won’t see Luka Doncic on this list.