Los Angeles Lakers: 2018 NBA Draft workout preview

3. Kansas C, Billy Preston

Billy Preston was expected to be a fixture in the Kansas lineup this season. He was the No. 20 ranked freshman in his class but never got onto the court at Kansas. Preston was suspended for the first game of the season for disciplinary reasons and then was held out following a car accident on campus.

When the owner of the car was called into question, Preston was held out. Head coach Bill Self thought a resolution would come in a timely manner but it never happened. As a result, Preston withdrew from Kansas and signed overseas to play in Bosnia.

Preston is a bit of an unknown now. He has immense talent, possessing rare skills for a big man. He can step out beyond the 3-point line, handles the ball rather well and is a solid playmaker when he wants to be. Preston is super athletic, but he does not always show that.

Preston’s motor has been called into question before. He can also be a ball-stopper at times, looking to get his offensively when his teammates should be getting more involved. There is a lot of raw talent there, but Preston needs reps to reach his ceiling.

A project big man is unlikely to be selected by the Lakers. They already have two on the roster in Ivica Zubac and Thomas Bryant. Adding a third would make little sense. However, if Preston goes undrafted, the Lakers could have interest as a Summer League signing.