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Los Angeles Lakers have second round of pre draft workouts

By Kenneth Teape

BOISE, ID - MARCH 15: Keita Bates-Diop #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 15, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID - MARCH 15: Keita Bates-Diop #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 15, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers have second round of pre draft workouts
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Keita Bates-Diop

Keita Bates-Diop is similar to Josh Hart last season. He performed great in his senior season but will be entering the NBA a little older, as he is already 22-years old. Hart faced the same issues last season, but sometimes that experience gives you an edge. Hart was as NBA ready as any prospect, and Bates-Diop could be as well.

Bates-Diop dominated at Ohio State this past season. He took his performance up multiple levels, averaging 19.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.6 blocks and 0.9 steals per game. His offensive game is very versatile, as he has the size to score in the post and the skill to perform on the perimeter as well. Bates-Diop shot 48 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from the 3-point line.

The Buckeye redshirt junior was named Big 10 Player of the Year, also making the All-American second team as well. He led the conference in scoring, was second in rebounding and fifth in blocks. Bates-Diop can get it done on both ends of the court, which is what the Lakers are looking for.

https://twitter.com/_/status/993566794391605248

“I’m very fluid, can do a lot of things,” Bates-Diop said. “I’m really long, so I can guard multiple positions. I like to think of myself as a versatile player.”

Bates-Diop should be in play for the Lakers when they are on the clock with the No. 25 pick in the draft. He is a late first round prospect and can help in multiple areas. His length could make him into the type of 3-and-D player that teams covet in today’s NBA. Bates-Diop has the look and potential of an NBA rotation player.

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