Los Angeles Lakers select Mitchell Robinson in ESPN NBA Mock Draft

In the latest NBA Mock Draft from ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers select Mitchell Robinson with the No. 26 overall pick.

Two weeks ago, it looked like the Los Angeles Lakers would be shut out of the 2018 NBA Draft. Los Angeles was without a first-round pick because of the failed Steve Nash trade back in 2012. However, they got themselves back into the first round at the 2018 NBA Trade Deadline.

The Lakers pulled off trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers prior to the deadline. The Lakers sent Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. to the Cavaliers in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye and Cleveland’s 2018 first-round pick.

While the selection won’t be in the lottery, that shouldn’t be a problem for the Lakers. While their own selections have been high in recent years, they have made the most of later round picks in recent years.

Nance Jr. was the 27th pick in 2015. Clarkson was selected No. 46 in 2014. Kyle Kuzma was selected No. 27 in last year’s draft. Josh Hart was picked No. 30 overall. Selecting late has not kept the Lakers from finding talent, and they are hoping to do it again with the Cavaliers pick.

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While we are still months away from the draft, and there are still weeks remaining in the college season, mock drafts have begun popping up. Over at ESPN, Jonathan Givony made an updated mock draft following the action at the NBA Trade Deadline.

With the No. 26 pick in the most recent mock draft, Givony has the Lakers selecting center Mitchell Robinson. Many casual fans may not know who Mitchell is, as he decided to forgo playing collegiately at Western Kentucky this season.

Here is what Givony had to say about the selection.

"The Lakers are sorely lacking athleticism and rim protection in their frontcourt, and might be willing to roll the dice on a project here.Physically, Robinson is one of the most gifted prospects — with impressive length, athleticism and shot-blocking instincts — but he is a long way from contributing. The fact that he elected not to play college basketball this season won’t help his NBA readiness, but at some point in the draft, he’s worth taking a gamble on."

Givony is right. In Brook Lopez and Ivica Zubac, and with Andrew Bogut added in early in the season, the Lakers had arguably the least athletic big men in the NBA. While they all bring something useful to the table, all three are slow-footed, leaving the Lakers without any athleticism at the 5 spot unless Julius Randle or Nance Jr. was slid over.

He is also right in his assessment of readiness. Robinson was the No. 11 prospect in the 2017 class, the No. 3 center. However, he left Western Kentucky in August of 2017. That could turn off some teams, but the potential there is undeniable.

Robinson is a difference maker defensively. His length and mobility are factors in helping him being an elite shot blocker. There is no question about his motor, however, his offensive game does need work. He doesn’t have much of a perimeter game and is raw in the low post.

Turning 20 on April 1st, Robinson still has plenty of time to grow and develop. At No. 26, he is the type of prospect worth taking a shot on because his ceiling is so high.

Next: Lakers 10 Greatest Draft Picks of All-Time

Given his standing as a recruit coming out of college, getting him at No. 26 could prove to be another late round steal for the Lakers.

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