Lakers: 3 Players LA Can Target With Their Late-First Rounder
Justin Jackson: North Carolina, Junior, Small Forward 6’8”, 193 lbs
We now move down Tobacco Road to Kennard’s rival, Justin Jackson of UNC. Jackson is also a candidate for the Wooden Award. Jackson is 21 years old which is a little old, but he has shown improvement in almost every aspect of his game between every one of his years at UNC.
As a freshman, Jackson only averaged 10.7 points per game and 30.4% three-point shooting, but now as a junior, he averages 18.4 points on 39.3% three-point shooting. This exhibits Jackson’s ability to improve year by year, so even though he is older, it does not mean he has reached his full potential.
Jackson’s previously mentioned scoring ability would be the main reason to draft him. He can shoot threes, get into the lane and play off the ball. With catch and shoot numbers of 1.15 points per possession, he his ability to make quick and contested jumpers is a useful skill, especially when playing alongside ball-dominant guards.
Catching and shooting are not Jackson’s only way of knocking down jumpers. This year he has shown off a full repertoire of shooting of the dribble. With step backs, shooting coming off screens and pull ups, he is also lethal with the ball in his hands.
Driving to the hoop and getting buckets another skill of Jacksons. Among the reasons he can do this is his length. Already being 6’8” is a big advantage over the smaller three-guard sets of college ball today, but his wingspan is what really sets him apart. Stretching 6’11” his arms reach as long as some centers. This allows him to finish above smaller defenders at the rim. It also helps him take care of mismatches. Taking smaller opponents into the post has added another dimension to his game. He has also developed a floater, which suits his wiry frame well.
Jackson rises to the occasion against tough competition. He had the best game of his career, 34 points, against a team loaded with NBA talent in Kentucky. He shot the three well, took Isaiah Briscoe into the post, went to work on him and drew fouls. In conference play, which is generally better competition than the preseason, he has upped his scoring to 19.2 points per game.
Taking care of the ball is another thing that Jackson does well. He only coughs it up 1.7 times per game despite having a 25.5% usage rate.
Now we must talk about the downsides of Jackson’s game. He is not an elite athlete. While light on his feet, he comes nowhere near the likes of Josh Jackson or OG Anunoby. Jackson is also very light. At only 193 lbs, it would do him some real good to put on some muscle and get stronger for the rigors of the NBA. Getting stronger would also improve his confidence for taking on contact. He only averages 3.2 trips to the foul line this season and some strength should get him more freebies.
He is also subject to offensive lulls. Against Virginia on 2/27, Jackson had an extremely poor outing in which he only scored 7.0 points on 30% shooting. UNC need his scoring punch in that game, as they only scored 43 points as a team, but he couldn’t deliver.
Jackson also has a low total rebounding percentage of 8.1%. This could likely be attributed to his slender frame. The Lakers need rebounding and Jackson doesn’t bring that much of it to the table.
On defense, Jackson has not shown to be a lockdown defender either. He is a good defender but not elite. Getting steals also seems to be a struggle for him as he only averages 0.6 swipes per contest.
All things considered fitting on the Lakers should be relatively easy for Jackson. The Lakers are in need of another scorer with the departure of Lou Williams and the likely exodus of Nick Young. Jackson cannot provide what those guys do right away, but he would be a step in the right direction.
Jackson could also fit in beside the other players. With ball dominant players such as Russell and Clarkson, Jackson’s ability to play off the ball would be a great asset for the team. He could also feasibly play alongside Ingram at the two.
What do you guys think? Who should the Lakers take with the Rocket’s pick? Let us know in the comments below!