Los Angeles Lakers have second round of pre draft workouts

Udoka Azubuike

If the Lakers are looking for defensive minded players, they had the right player in Udoka Azubuike taking part in the workout. Azubuike looks the part of someone who can control the paint and become a legitimate rim protector.

Standing 7-feet tall and weighing in at 280 pounds, Azubuike is an imposing figure in the middle. Azubuike is a difference maker defensively, averaging 1.7 blocks per game despite playing only 23.6 minutes. In addition to the blocked shots, Azubuike is a strong rebounder, as he averaged 7.0 per game.

When Azubuike is on the court, you know you are going to receive his best effort. However, how long that effort can be sustained is a legitimate concern. To succeed at the next level, Azubuike needs to improve his conditioning. He isn’t the most athletically gifted player either, which could limit him at the next level.

Offensively, Azubuike is extremely efficient. He made 77 percent of his shots last season. However, his offensive game isn’t developed at all. If he wants to carve out a role for an NBA team, developing even one go-to move offensively is a must.

While his shot blocking is intriguing, it is unlikely the Lakers would look to add another center to the mix. Ivica Zubac and Thomas Bryant are two developmental players already on the Lakers roster. Unless the Lakers are not confident in either one of them developing, it is unlikely they add another young, developmental center to the mix.