NBA Mock Draft 2016: Lottery Set, Who Do Lakers Get at No. 2?

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Cupchak represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Cupchak represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 20, 2016; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Domantas Sabonis (11) reacts after missing a shot against the Saint Mary’s Gaels during the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Gaels won 63-58. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Spokane, WA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Domantas Sabonis (11) reacts after missing a shot against the Saint Mary’s Gaels during the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Gaels won 63-58. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-10
Weight: 231 pounds
Wingspan 6-10.5
DOB: 05/03/96

My love affair with former Gonzaga Bulldogs big man Domantas Sabonis continues and is as strong as ever before. Though he doesn’t have tremendous height, strength, or even wingspan, he just has every bit of the makings of a player that can get it done effectively at the NBA level while playing in the frontcourt.

Leaving school after just two seasons, Sabonis put up fantastic numbers in his sophomore season for the Zags. He averaged 17.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 0.9 blocks in only 32 minutes per game. Even more promising is the fact that he hit on 60.6 percent of his field goal attempts. While he’s a decent team defender and a good overall rebounder, Sabonis’ biggest strength is the breadth of his offensive game. He has a lethal arsenal of moves in the post, but can also take defenders out to about 15 feet and knock down jumpers as well. He’s a versatile threat that fits right into the current NBA game.

When you look at a team like the Celtics and their needs in the frontcourt—especially if they don’t draft Dragan Bender—you have to think that Sabonis is a player that makes a ton of sense for them. In the end, they’d be making a mistake to not grab him.

Next: No. 17 Grizzlies

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