3 Prospects Lakers Should Target Following NBA Draft Pick News
By Cem Yolbulan
Tristan Da Silva, PF, Colorado
The previous two names on this list are younger prospects that might take a year or two to fully develop and become NBA contributors. If the Lakers feel like they need to go for a more NBA-ready prospect, one of their best options might be Tristan Da Silva out of Colorado.
As a four-year college player, Da Silva is older than most of the draft prospects. He is 23, so his upside can be considered lower than some of his brethren. If the Lakers prioritize immediate help over upside, they might gravitate toward him.
The Lakers made the mistake of prioritizing upside over NBA readiness last season when they drafted Hood-Schifino a pick before Jaime Jaquez Jr. The Miami Heat rookie was one of the best rookies last season and would have contributed to the Lakers in a big way.
Da Silva improved every year during his college stint. In his senior season, he averaged 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.6 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. He made over 39% of his threes in each of his last two seasons.
He has good forward size at 6'9. He has the versatility and the defensive chops to be a two-way player on the wing. With his shooting ability, he is an intriguing fit next to LeBron James, checking a lot of boxes that the Lakers need including shooting, size, and versatility.
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