Lakers Mock Draft List, #7 Pick

7.  Noah Vonleh – The power forward/center of Indiana is currently a project player. His definitive NBA skills are his 3-point shooting and rebounding ability.  In the modern NBA of the new stretch four or five, he would excel.  All of the measurements are there, and he’s among the elite.  While he scored very well at the combine athletically, it didn’t always show on the NCAA floor.  However, because he has the physical tools in terms of wingspan, hands, vertical ability, and standing reach, there is hope that he can also become an elite level athlete by position.  Some may think of him as an Al Horford-type with better length and jumpshot.  It’s a very fair comparison.  What is scary is when he’s able to combine his physical tools along with his athleticism.  If he does that, he may be unstoppable in the post as well.

Mar 21, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Aaron Gordon (11) dunks in the first half of a men

8.  Aaron Gordon – If the draft was based on best athlete available, Gordon would be right behind Andrew Wiggins in the lottery.  Not only did he score well at the combine, showing elite vertical ability as well as point guard-like lateral agility, but he was also able to show it at the NCAA floor for the University of Arizona.  Sure, he may be a bit light around 220lbs., but he’ll gain that strength in no time.  He’s just 19 years old. He has a reputation for being level-headed as well as having an incredible work ethic. Like Marcus Smart, he’s one of the captains of Team USA U-19.  His measurements are very similar to David Lee and Blake Griffin, and as previously said in another article, if he’s David Lee with Blake Griffin’s athleticism, he too can become a two-way All-Star power forward for years to come.  At #8 on the list, that would be an absolute steal.