Los Angeles Lakers have second round of pre draft workouts

Jo Lual-Acuil

Earlier we discussed center, Udoka Azubuike. Azubuike is a throwback type of center given his size and lumbering style of play. Jo Lual-Acuil of Baylor is a more traditional center based on today’s NBA.

Lual-Acuil is seven-feet tall but weighs only 210 pounds. Despite the slight frame, Lual-Acuil is a good rebounder and rim protector. Last season he averaged 8.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, ranking third and fourth, respectively, in the Big 12.

In addition to the defensive numbers, Lual-Acuil showed some versatility offensively. Lual-Acuil averaged 14 points per game last season. He scores a lot of baskets based on his hustle, but he has shown the capability to have a perimeter game. The 70.7 percent at the foul line shows that he is willing to put in the work to develop his jump shot, as he made only 49.5 percent of his free throws in his first season at Baylor.

The athleticism and motor are two reasons that Lual-Acuil could make it in the NBA. If he is able to develop his offensive game, carving out a role is very doable for the Sudanese center. However, there are questions about how much he will develop. Lual-Acuil is already 24-years old. Only seven players who were on the Lakers final roster are older than Lual-Acuil.

As was said when discussing Azubuike, selecting a center seems unlikely for Los Angeles. However, Lual-Acuil presents a different type of center from Azubuike. If Los Angeles opts for a center, someone in the mold of Lual-Acuil is more likely the target.