Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: 5 players to select other than Lonzo Ball

By Kenneth Teape

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) looks to pass the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) looks to pass the ball against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Los Angeles Lakers: 5 players to select other than Lonzo Ball
Feb 25, 2017; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) dribbles the during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Duke Small Forward, Jayson Tatum

If Markelle Fultz isn’t the top pick by the Boston Celtics, there is a good chance that Jayson Tatum is their pick. Tatum is arguably the most NBA-ready prospect in this year’s draft class. He has an NBA body already and can step into a rotation right away. If he is not selected by the Celtics, he should garner consideration from the Lakers.

Tatum has an advanced offensive game. He needs to continue working on extending his range, but he can certainly score the basketball. His midrange game is already very strong. The athleticism that he possesses makes him a strong player in transition as well.

At 6-feet-8 inches tall, he is very difficult to defend. He is strong enough to score against smaller opponents and athletic enough to take advantage of slower, bigger opponents. His size should also translate to someone that can develop into a good defender.

The only reason he is unlikely to be headed to the Lakers is that of fellow Blue Devil, Brandon Ingram. The Lakers used the second pick in 2016 on Ingram, and are very high on him. It would be a bit of a surprise to see them double down on small forwards, but if they feel Tatum is the best prospect available they could pull the trigger on a Duke small forward for the second consecutive season.

Home/Lakers Draft