How The Top 5 NBA Prospects Fit With The Lakers
By Scott Asai
Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) works around the defense of Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow (12) during the second half in the 2015 NCAA Men
Justise Winslow (6’7″ 225 lbs)
Maybe the hottest commodity from the NCAA Tournament, Winslow has the rebounding and ball handling skills of a Lamar Odom with the defensive grit of a Kawhi Leonard. Playing mostly power forward in college, he can slip to the small forward position in the pros and instantly contribute.
The Lakers have lacked a solid small forward for the past couple of years and Winslow would fit nicely with Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson as they push the ball up court. Note that Winslow wasn’t as touted as Jahlil Okafor or Tyus Jones coming into Duke, but he left as arguably the most impressive. That means he was a “3rd option” and content with it. In the days where egos dominate the NBA, Winslow could be a shut down defender on one side and a penetrator on offense on the other. If the Lakers stay around the 3 – 5 spot, Winslow would be a great addition to the purple and gold. He’s a two way player that is clearly NBA ready now.
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