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Los Angeles Lakers: Players that should have been drafted in the first

By Jason Reed

EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 26: NBA 2018 draft pick Moritz Wagner #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers answers questions during an introductory press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center on June 26, 2018 in El Segundo, California. Wagner was chosen with the 25th overall pick and Mykhailiuk with the 47th pick. TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA - JUNE 26: NBA 2018 draft pick Moritz Wagner #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers answers questions during an introductory press conference at the UCLA Health Training Center on June 26, 2018 in El Segundo, California. Wagner was chosen with the 25th overall pick and Mykhailiuk with the 47th pick. TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Center Robert Williams

  • Actual selection: Boston Celtics (27th overall) 

The Boston Celtics selected Texas A&M center Robert Williams two picks after the Los Angeles Lakers with the 27th overall pick. Prior to the draft, Williams was mocked to go as high as the early lottery with many expecting him to fall in the 10-15 range. Heading into draft night, the Los Angeles Clippers seemed like the most logical destination for Williams.

However, due to concerns about his willingness and devotion to the game of basketball and certain disciplinary issues while at Texas A&M, Williams slipped all the way to the late first round. Now the Celtics, who are already primed to win the Eastern Conference, may have gotten the steal of the entire draft.

Although Williams is shorter than Wagner and cannot stretch the floor, he gives the Lakers the traditional outlook at center that the team needs moving forward. As good as Julius Randle is, starting him at center with Ivica Zubac as the primary back-up is not great for the Lakers’ contending wishes.

Instead of picking Wagner, it would make more sense for LA to go with Williams. The team likely will not have enough cap space to sign two max guys and bring in a valuable center, unless they find one on the market for league minimmum.

Williams could have helped the Lakers solve one of their worst tactical problems while still leaving enough room for two max deals.

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