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

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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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.
Dec 19, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Lydon (20) reacts after scoring against the Eastern Michigan Eagles during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyler Lydon

The next player on this list is a unique player, in terms of his skills and size put together. Tyler Lydon, who played two seasons at Syracuse is 6’9″ and weighs 220 pounds. His time at Syracuse was up and down, but improved season by season. By the time his sophomore year was wrapping up, his draft stock continued to rise. With the NBA draft just a few days away, Lydon is projected to land anywhere from late first round to early second round.

This makes it a very real possibility that the Lakers pick him with the 28th overall selection. But, more realistically, the Lakers would be able to trade down and still select him early in the second round, around the 40th overall pick.

This past season at Syracuse he averaged 13.2 points along with 8.6 rebounds. With a wingspan of more than seven-feet, it is yet to be seen if Lydon will play small forward or power forward at the NBA level.

Strengths of London’s game include rebounding, shot blocking, ball control, and his knack for making the three point shot. Last season he shot just shy of 40% from three which is very impressive given his tall frame. He could become a dynamic playmaker in the NBA within the next few years and the Lakers could steal yet another great talent in the second round.