June 28, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; A general view of the first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
With the NBA draft nearing, the writers here at Lake Show Life offer their thoughts on three prospects they feel the Lakers should select 48th overall.
Who should the Lakers draft with the 48th overall selection?
Skyler Gilbert:
▷ Vander Blue/SG/6-5/Junior/Marquette
Blue was a solid guard for Marquette this year, a school that has produced NBA-caliber guards in the past (Dwyane Wade, Wesley Matthews, Jimmy Butler). He was a great defender and, although his offensive game is still raw, came alive in the NCAA tournament, scoring 18.3 PPG in four games
▷ BJ Young/SG/6-3/Sophomore/Arkansas
Young was an Arkansas Razorback last season. He was a great scorer in the SEC and one of the best fast-break offensive players in the whole nation.
▷ Ricky Ledo/SG/6-6/Freshman/Providence
Ledo was a freshman for Providence last year, but was forced to sit out the whole season due to academic issues. As a high school player, Ledo used his 6’7 length to be a high-effort defensive force who can get his fair share of steals.
Fern Rea:
▷ Glen Rice Jr./SG/6-5/Junior/Georgia Tech
Rice Jr. is a perfect size to play the 2 guard position in the NBA at 6’5 and 206 pounds. Rice Jr. possesses a similar shooting touch from the outside as his father, but is a little more athletic and a great finisher around the rim. Rice Jr. scoring prowess would be a great find in the second round and fill a need for outside shooting help for the Lakers.
▷ Rodney Williams/SF/6-7/Senior/Minnesota
The Lakers are in desperate need of youth, speed and athleticism; Rodney Williams fills all of those needs. Williams is an athletically gifted 6’7 wing player with a lengthy 6’10 foot wingspan. Williams’ tremendous athletic ability allows him to be a strong finisher around the basket and is devastating in the open court. Williams lacks refined offensive skills but his superior athletic ability alone is worth the Lakers taking him with their second round pick.
▷ Andre Roberson/SF/6-7/Junior/Colorado
Roberson is a 6’7 athletic freak with a good motor. Roberson will be able to immediately contribute at the NBA level as a situational perimeter wing defender and energy guy off the bench. Roberson has upside with the amount of natural athletic ability he possess and has room to grow on the offensive end of the floor.
Daniel Nicks:
▷ Ryan Kelly/PF/6-11/Senior/Duke
There’s no doubt Kelly’s recent foot surgery will impact his draft stock – which could ultimately play right into the Lakers hands. He’s the quintessential stretch four and is a solid low post defender.
▷ Michael Snaer/SG/6-5/Senior/Florida State
He never really realized the ceiling many thought he would at the collegiate level. But make no mistake, he’s a creative scorer and knocked down six game winning buzzer-beaters in his junior and senior seasons.
▷ James Southerland/SF/6-8/Senior/Syracuse
He’s a streaky shooter. That’s an understatement. He’s an extremely streaky shooter. But when the kid is on – shades of Reggie Miller. His athleticism also sneaks up on you.
Caleb Cottrell:
▷ Ryan Kelly/PF/6-11/Senior/Duke
I really like the 6’11 power forward out of Duke. He is a 40 percent shooter from beyond the three point line, which would be big because Mike D’Antoni likes having a stretch four on the team. I could see him being a step down from Ryan Anderson because he isn’t the best rebounder.
▷ Pierre Jackson/PG/5-10/Senior/Baylor
This kid is as athletic as they come. I have heard someone compare Jackson to a better Nate Robinson. If this is true, he would be a great fit for the Lakers off the bench. He’s a bit undersized at 5’10, but that hasn’t stopped Nate Robinson or Isaiah Thomas. Jackson’s stats in his last season with Baylor: 20 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 36 percent from three (on 6.8 per game), and 42 percent from the field. I’d say the Lakers could use him.
▷ Reggie Bullock/SG/6-7/Junior/North Carolina
The 6’7 junior out of North Carolina knows how to shoot the ball. In a more demanding role in his last season, Bullock shot 43.6 percent from three while scoring 14 points, dishing out 3 assits, and grabbing 6.5 rebounds a game. He can play both shooting guard and small forward, but he would need to bulk up a bit if he were to play small forward — he currently weighs 200 pounds. He has potential on the defensive end, but one scout said he doesn’t seem to focus on that side as much. If the Lakers don’t amnesty Metta World Peace, he could mentor Bullock to be the future starting small forward.
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