Lakers Draft Prospects: 5 Players to Consider Drafting With the 32nd Pick
Gary Payton II
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Fit: Good
Future Potential: Good
Immediate Impact: Moderate
Availability: Very Likely
If the Lakers decide to keep Lou Williams through this offseason, acquiring a player like Gary Payton II may not be optional. Williams demonstrated a complete inability to guard either back-court position, and the Lakers will need a defender capable of softening that blow.
Payton II has the ability to play the point on offense, but go up against the shooting guard on defense, which is a requirement for anyone playing alongside Lou Williams. His athleticism and length could allow him to develop into a very solid guard in the NBA, although his shot has a long way to go.
The wisest course of action here would be to move on from Lou Williams, but if the Lakers decide to keep him, Gary Payton II could be a good option to offset his atrocious defense.
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As mentioned previously, the NBA draft is still just about a month away and pre-draft workouts and interviews could cause a seismic shift in the make up of the draft board moving forward, but barring any huge changes, all five of these players would be good fits with the new look Los Angeles Lakers.