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Los Angeles Lakers: Five players to target if they trade down

By Matt Leaman

Feb 11, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) reacts after scoring against the Clemson Tigers in the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) reacts after scoring against the Clemson Tigers in the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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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.
Mar 25, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24) reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the finals of the Midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

Dillon Brooks

The next player that would most likely end up being a second round steal is Dillon Brooks out of Oregon. Brooks is projected as an early second-round selection in the latest mock drafts. He weighs in at 220 standing 6’6″ tall. Last season during his junior year at Oregon he averaged 16.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 35 games played.

Breaking down the numbers Brooks would be on pace to average 22.1 points a game per 36 minutes. Other strengths of his game include three-point shooting, the ability to pass and get teammates involved, physical toughness, and his athletic versatility.

This would give the Lakers another long athletic scorer that would help spread the floor for some of the other bright stars including D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram.

Two to there years down the road I can see Brooks being the biggest steal of this draft. If the Lakers get the opportunity to select him somewhere in the second round they should make the move and develop him over the next few seasons. By this time he will be ready to help a Lakers team that should be closer to playoff contention.

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