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Los Angeles Lakers: Re-drafting the 2017 NBA Draft

By Kenneth Teape

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)
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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Los Angeles Lakers
Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images /

Original No. 30 Pick: G Josh Hart

New No. 30 Pick: F Semi Ojeleye

Players who stay in college are sometimes punished by NBA teams. Older players are looked at differently, as teams believe they do not have as much potential as other players. Sometimes selecting older players has its benefits, and the Lakers found that out with Josh Hart.

Hart was ready for the NBA from Day 1. He is a very good all-around player that does a little bit of everything. When injuries arose, he played a little point guard. He is an excellent rebounding guard and can shoot the ball with range. Defensively, Hart digs in and is versatile enough to defend multiple positions.

Hart earned his role with the Lakers and filled many needs. He came off the bench for most of the season but stepped right into the starting lineup when called upon and continued producing. In the final four games of the season, Hart averaged 23.8 points per game, scoring at least 20 points in all four games.

That production shows the potential he has as a scorer as well. That is part of the reason he doesn’t last until the 30th pick in the redraft. Hart is selected No. 20 overall by the Sacramento Kings.

That leaves the Lakers with another change. With the 30th pick in the redraft, the Lakers pick another SMU player, forward, Semi Ojeleye. Ojeleye was originally selected No. 37 overall by the Boston Celtics.

Despite the deep roster in Boston, Ojeleye still carved a role out for himself. He appeared in 73 games in the regular season, averaging 15.8 minutes per game. His stats won’t pop off the screen, but Ojeleye is a hard worker that brings a versatile game on both ends of the court and range on his jumper.

Next: Lakers 10 Greatest Draft Picks of All-Time

Like the 27th pick, the Lakers got a steal in Hart with the 30th pick. The redraft will be more disappointing for teams that did well in the original. Thankfully, the original won’t change and the Lakers first round trio of Ball, Kuzma and Hart are here to stay.

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