NBA Mock Draft 2016: Who Do the Lakers Select?

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; D'Angelo Russell (Ohio State) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number two overall pick to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; D'Angelo Russell (Ohio State) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number two overall pick to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Demetrius Jackson (11) reacts after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half in a semifinal game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Notre Dame won 61-56. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Demetrius Jackson (11) reacts after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half in a semifinal game in the East regional of the NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Notre Dame won 61-56. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard not to watch former Notre Dame Fighting Irish point guard Demetrius Jackson and not fall in love with the young man. He plays with a palpable fire and passion burning within him and it comes through time and again on the film when you watch him. More than that, though, the guard is highly explosive and talented on both ends of the floor and has all the makings of a guard that could be a floor general and leader at the next level.

Jackson has proven that he has enough versatility in his game on both ends of the floor that he can step up and deliver in virtually any situation. He’s a good enough jump-shooter, a good passer, and a fantastic athlete with great speed that can take guys off of the dribble to get into the lane with penetration and then make plays for either himself or his teammates once he’s down in there.

Though the Milwaukee Bucks traded for Michael Carter-Williams not too long ago, the general consensus would be that they are due to try and find a more suitable point guard for the future and Jackson could very well be that guy. I love the idea of him learning under Jason Kidd and this selection really just makes too much damn sense.

Next: No. 11 Magic

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