Los Angeles Lakers: Re-drafting the 2017 NBA Draft

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: Front Row (L-R) - OG Anunoby, Dennis Smith, Malik Monk, Luke Kennard, Lonzo Ball, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Markelle Fultz, De'aaron Fox, Frank Ntilikina, Justin Jackson, Back Row (L-R) Bam Adebayo, Jonathan Isaac, Justin Patton, Lauri Markkanen, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, Zach Collins, Donovan Mitchell and TJ Leaf pose for a portrait prior to the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler /NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Original No. 27 Pick: F Kyle Kuzma

New No. 27 Pick: G Sterling Brown

To the surprise of no one, Kyle Kuzma is not available this time around in the redraft. The Lakers got arguably the biggest steal of the 2017 NBA Draft by nabbing the former Utah product at No. 27.

Kuzma was one of the most consistent players for the Lakers throughout the season. No matter the role he was put in, he played it to the best of his ability and succeeded. He has a bright future as combo forward with a versatile offensive game. His defense leaves something to be desired, but when you score with the ease that Kuzma does, some defensive shortcomings are okay.

Kuzma ended up going to the Dallas Mavericks with the No. 9 overall pick. Their original pick, Dennis Smith Jr., went No. 6 to the Orlando Magic. With Kuzma off the board, the Lakers went with Sterling Brown out of SMU.

Brown was the No. 46 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, so he is making quite a jump up the board. Brown didn’t have the numbers that Kuzma did, but he probably could have formed a niche in the Lakers’ lineup.

The former Mustang could have been an energy player on the second unit. By the end of the season, the Lakers backcourt and wings were decimated by injury, so Brown would have gotten a chance. His size gives him versatility defensively, something the Lakers would have enjoyed and found a place for.

At this point of the redraft, the most productive rookies are already selected. Brown may not have had the greatest stats in his rookie season, but there is potential there that the Lakers could have made the most of.

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