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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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.
Dec 21, 2016; Greensboro, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) stands on the court in the second half against the Elon Phoenix at Greensboro Coliseum. Duke defeated Elon 72-61. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Harry Giles

Lastly, Harry Giles out of Duke comes into this draft as one of the players with the most potential upside. Giles is expected to get drafted anywhere from mid-to-late first round but seems to be dropping the past few weeks; there are concerns about his surgically repaired knee which caused him to miss time last season and never show his full potential. Whichever team ultimately ends up selecting Giles will need to understand it’ll be a long process to develop him as an NBA player.

Due to his knee injuries last season he wound up playing 26 games in which he averaged just 4 points with 3.8 rebounds in 11.5 minutes. Certainly, the numbers don’t jump out at you, but his 6’11”, 232-pound frame does. With a wingspan of over 7-feet-3 inches, he has some great upside as a player.

Additional strengths of Giles’ game include his ability to finish around the basket, getting rebounds, making shots off balance, and an above average mid-range game for a big man. So despite Giles not being NBA ready, he has a lot of upside and fits into the Lakers timetable as well. They can afford to draft him, take a chance, and see what kind of player he is in 2-3 years with little risk.

Next: Full First Round 2017 NBA Mock Draft

So, as Draft night approaches on Thursday, the Lakers need to decide whether they are completely sold on Lonzo Ball, Josh Jackson, or any of the other outstanding prospects in this year’s draft. If not, they need to trade down and accumulate talent and players that will get the chance to develop over the next few years. The Lakers future is bright.