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Lakers Rumors: Zhaire Smith being eyed in 2018 NBA Draft

By Kenneth Teape

DALLAS, TX - MARCH 17: G Zhaire Smith (2) of the Texas Tech Red Raiders drives to the basket during the NCAA Div I Men's Championship Second Round basketball game between Florida and Texas Tech on March 17, 2018 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 17: G Zhaire Smith (2) of the Texas Tech Red Raiders drives to the basket during the NCAA Div I Men's Championship Second Round basketball game between Florida and Texas Tech on March 17, 2018 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors involve the 2018 NBA Draft, as the team is reportedly eyeing Zhaire Smith of Texas Tech.

Los Angeles Lakers rumors have been picking up in recent days. The organization has big aspirations for this offseason, which will officially get underway next week at the 2018 NBA Draft.

The Lakers own the No. 25 and No. 47 overall picks in the draft. They aren’t high picks, but that has not stopped the Lakers from adding talent in recent years. Last year alone the Lakers landed Kyle Kuzma at No. 27 and Josh Hart at No. 30.

Los Angeles will once again look to strike late in the draft. With such a deep draft class, they should be able to land a player that can help them right away. However, Los Angeles may not be staying put with their draft picks.

Making trades involving draft picks is nothing new for Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka. Last year they made three separate trades involving draft picks. If recent Lakers rumors are to be believed, it sounds like they are looking to do it again.

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On the podcast, The Ringer NBA Show with Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor, the 2018 NBA Draft was discussed. One team that came up during the discussion was the Lakers. They discussed that the Lakers are looking to move up in the draft to land Texas Tech guard, Zhaire Smith.

Smith declared for the draft following his freshman year with the Red Raiders. Smith’s stats won’t jump off the page, but he is oozing with potential given his size and athleticism.

Smith is 6’5″ with a 6’10” wingspan. That puts him on team’s radar for his defensive potential, which he showcased consistently at Texas Tech. He is athletic enough, and possesses enough size, to defend multiple positions. Defense is his calling card, but his offensive game is more impressive than people give him credit for.

Jonathan Givony provided some video of Smith working out. He called Smith arguably the best athlete in the draft and spoke highly of his shooting performance.

Smith averaged 11.3 points per game, but his percentages were solid. He made 55.6 percent of his shots overall and 40.5 percent of his 3-point attempts. While he didn’t attempt many 3-pointers, he showed he was capable of knocking them down if given the opportunity.

His athleticism is through the roof. It was on full display at the NBA Combine in May. Smith tied for the third highest vertical leap at the combine at 41.5 inches. He was fourth with a 33-inch standing vertical leap.

Smith has a chance to develop into a really good two-way player. He already plays defense at a high level and is a better offensive player than people think. If he can continue improving offensively, specifically his jump shot, he will be a tough player to contain.

The Lakers interest in him is warranted. However, the cost to move up is what could be the hindrance here. Smith could be selected at the end of the lottery.

Next: Lakers: 5 Options at No. 25 In 2018 NBA Draft

Do the Lakers have enough trade ammo to make that kind of move? We will have to see in the coming days. We know that Johnson and Pelinka aren’t afraid to make a bold move.

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