The Los Angeles Lakers have been preparing for the 2018 NBA Draft for multiple weeks now. While the Lakers improved their record by nine wins this year, they still missed the postseason for a fifth consecutive season.
While the Lakers won’t reap the benefits of their losing season with a lottery pick, they still have a pick in the first round. Los Angeles’ original pick, No. 10, is heading to the Philadelphia 76ers. The Lakers will instead be selecting No. 25, which they received from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka have done an excellent job reshaping the roster since taking over the front office. The trades they have executed to land draft picks have been excellent thus far, and they are hoping their deadline deal with the Cavaliers nets similar results.
While finding talent late in the first round isn’t easy, the Lakers have made a habit of it in recent seasons. Last year Kyle Kuzma was selected No. 27 and Josh Hart was picked No. 30. In 2015, Larry Nance Jr. was selected No. 27. The Lakers are hoping to find an immediate contributor once again near the back of the first round.
Luckily for Los Angeles, this is a loaded draft class. There are only so many players that can be selected in the lottery, so you know there will be some talented prospects that drop in the draft.
The Lakers have a good foundation of young players but have a few different needs on the roster. While they will look to make a big addition in free agency, the No. 25 pick could help fill some voids. These five prospects would bring some added dimensions to the roster.