Lake Show Life
Fansided

NBA Draft 2016: 5 Best Fits for Lakers at No. 32

By Stephen Ontiveros

Feb 16, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) smiles after a foul in the second half of the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Mackey Arena. Purdue won 71-61. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) smiles after a foul in the second half of the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Mackey Arena. Purdue won 71-61. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Jan 23, 2016; Reno, NV, USA; Nevada Wolf Pack guard Eric Cooper Jr. (21) scores in front of UNLV Rebels center Stephen Zimmerman Jr. (33) during the first half of their NCAA basketball game at Lawlor Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports.
Jan 23, 2016; Reno, NV, USA; Nevada Wolf Pack guard Eric Cooper Jr. (21) scores in front of UNLV Rebels center Stephen Zimmerman Jr. (33) during the first half of their NCAA basketball game at Lawlor Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports. /

Stephen Zimmerman – Center, UNLV

Stephen Zimmerman was one of the top recruits in the nation and it was easy to see why when he was on the court in his lone season for the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels. The 19-year-old averaged 10.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and two blocks per game while playing roughly only 26 minutes. He stands at 7-0 exactly, with a 7-3 wingspan and a 9-1 standing reach. What would make him attractive to the Lakers is his ability to excel in the pick-and-roll. 

His explosiveness allows for some highlight reel dunks and his rebounding ability on the offensive end allows for more second chance points. Zimmerman is also an excellent passer, which would fit nicely in Luke Walton’s free flowing offense. The downside is that he struggles to finish offensively with his right hand, making it easier for the defense to predict his next move, the same problem Julius Randle is looking to work on this offseason. 

A potential area of concern is an injury to his left knee he suffered during conference play. While it was only ruled a sprain, Zimmerman did not look the same upon retuning, as his scoring and rebounding numbers both took a dive. Despite this, Zimmerman is a great talent and a name Lakers fans should not be shocked to hear on Thursday night. 

Next: No. 3 Malcolm Brogdon

Home/Lakers Draft