3. De’Anthony Melton
De’Anthony Melton is perhaps the biggest question mark out of this group of point guards that the Lakers are looking at. Primarily, it is because of the FBI probe that deemed him ineligible and caused him to miss his entire sophomore season.
That controversy could lead him to fall to late first round or even to the second round, so the Lakers should take a look at him if he slides further than expected. Bleacher Report recently had a mock draft that had them taking him with the 25th pick. So if he is there with their second round pick they should waste no time to turn in a card with his name on it.
During his one season at the University of Southern California, he shot the ball poorly, yet he still flashed tools that would make him successful at the next level. He only averaged 8.3 points and 3.5 assists in his freshman season, but he also averaged 1.9 steals and a block per game on the other end.
The best part of his game is by far his defense and would fit well with the fast-paced style the Lakers like to play on offense. His 6’4″ frame makes him an ideal defender because the Lakers defensive scheme will force him to switch and guard multiple positions. He is also a guy that likes to accept the challenge to defend the other team’s best scorer, something the Lakers will lack if Kentavious Caldwell-Pope leaves in free agency.
He recently worked out with the Lakers last Friday, so it would not be a surprise if he was the name they call at some point on draft night.