4. Chimezie Metu
The local product, Chimezie Metu out of the University of Southern California, could be a great option for the Lakers and they have had an up close and personal chance to scout him. During his Trojan career, he improved dramatically as a player and eventually developed into one of the team leaders for them.
His sophomore campaign is when everything clicked for him. He was awarded the Pac-12’s most improved player and lead USC to the second round of the NCAA tournament. In 2018 he continued to develop and was good enough to be named to the first team All-Pac 12, but his team did not have the same success.
The best part of Metu’s game is his freakish athletic ability, which makes him one of the most explosive finishers in the 2018 draft class. He can also use his athleticism and length to be a great rim protector on the defensive side of the ball, last season he averaged 1.6 blocks per game.
Currently, he is projected to land in the late first and early second round, and potentially the Lakers would have a chance to grab him with their first selection if they think he is worth it. He is another prospect that they have worked out in the pre-draft process, so it would not be a surprise if he ended up being their pick.