Dennis Smith
Next on this list is Dennis Smith, from Fayetteville, NC, who played just one season at NC State. Smith, 19 years old, is coming off a great one-and-done season with the Wolfpack. He averaged 18.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds showing he can help a team in many ways. He shot 45% from the floor during the season including a 35.9% clip from long range.
Most analysts predict Smith going to either the New York Knicks with the 8th overall pick or the Sacramento Kings at the 9th selection overall. Smith has All-Star potential at the next level if he can improve upon his shot selection, and overall defense, which was at times suspect during his time at NC State. The Lakers have a need for a backup point guard that can play both ends of the court in case the Jordan Clarkson experiment comes to an end within the next year or two.
Due to Smith’s young age, there would be no reason to rush him into the starting lineup. This would give them the opportunity to develop and acclimate him to the young core players currently on the Lakers roster.