The Los Angeles Lakers had some positive feedback for Syracuse forward Tyler Lydon after his workout with the team over the weekend.
Pre-draft workouts are in full swing for the Los Angeles Lakers. They have hosted a number of draft prospects already in preparation for the 2017 NBA Draft. Over the weekend, the Lakers had a pretty big workout with six prospects attending.
One of the prospects who took part in Sunday’s workout was Syracuse forward Tyler Lydon. Lydon is one of many prospects that could sneak into the first round, so it makes sense that the Lakers had him in; Los Angeles owns the 28th overall pick in the first round.
Depending on where the Lakers go with the second pick, Lydon could squarely be in play at No. 28. His skill set is one that would fit in well with the Lakers. One area Lydon would help out right away is in shooting and spacing the floor.
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The Lakers ranked 19th in three-pointers made per game at 8.9. They were 22nd in the NBA in three-point shooting percentage, making only 34.6 percent of their shots from downtown. Lydon can shoot from long range, as he made 40 percent of his shots from deep at Syracuse.
Shooting is the main skill Lydon believes he will bring to whichever NBA team selects him on June 22nd.
"“My ability to stretch the floor and shoot it as well as I can,” Lydon touted as his main skill. “I also feel like I can do more. I can put the ball on the floor and make plays for other guys, find guys when they’re open. Those things. At the end of the day, I’m trying to come in and play my game.”"
The Lakers could definitely use some shooters whether or not Nick Young decides to stay; D’Angelo Russell was the only other Laker to shoot at least 35 percent from the three-point line this season.
Lydon knows that he can help in that area, but he also recognizes his weaknesses. Lydon played in a zone on defense at Syracuse. It could take him some time to adjust to playing man-to-man at the next level, something he admits that he needs some work in.
"“I did an all right job guarding on the perimeter,” Lydon said. “It’s something obviously I know I need to improve upon, but I also feel very confident in doing it and I feel like I was able to show a little bit of that today.”"
That is the kind of work ethic you wish every player had. Lydon played all over the front court for Syracuse last season, so he will bring some versatility along with him. He is a very good athlete for his size, as he also rebounded well.
Lydon has a chance to develop into a very good stretch four in the NBA. If he adds strength it will only improve his outlook at the NBA level.
Lydon was happy with the feedback he received. He overheard a conversation general manager Rob Pelinka was having, as he said how much he liked the workout that Lydon had.
"“It’s always good to come in some place and work as hard as you can and then get good feedback,” said Lydon, who talked to Pelinka earlier. “It’s what you work for.”"
Next: Full First Round 2017 NBA Mock Draft
Hearing positive remarks is always good. It sounds like Lydon has a legitimate chance of landing at the backend of the first round. Will the Lakers be the team that selects him? We will have to wait until June 22nd to find out!