Lakers Rumors: Anfernee Simons in play with No. 25 pick
Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors invovle 2018 NBA Draft prospect, Anfernee Simons.
Los Angeles Lakers rumors have really picked up in recent days. With the 2018 NBA Draft only a day away, there has been plenty of Lakers rumors involving who the team is looking to select with their picks.
Los Angeles owns the No. 25 and No. 47 overall picks in the draft. They have been rumored to be in the running for Kawhi Leonard, so their draft picks may be on the move. However, if they hold onto the pick, they will be looking to add yet another young building block to their impressive core.
The Lakers have done well in recent years despite not always having lottery selections. Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart were picked at No. 25 and No. 30 last year. Both exceeded expectations during the 2017-18 season and will look to land another player that does the same this year.
Throughout the offseason, the Lakers have been linked to a number of prospects. Early on, center Mitchell Robinson reportedly received a promise from the Lakers. While that report was later shot down, interest still remained in the talented center.
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Robinson is expected to be picked in the first round despite not playing collegiately last season. He is not the only first-round hopeful that skipped college last year, as Anfernee Simons did the same.
Simons attended IMG Academy after graduating from Edgewater High School in 2017. While he didn’t attend college, he is eligible for the 2018 NBA Draft because he spent a year out of high school at prep school.
Simons has a high ceiling but needs development to get there. That is not keeping teams from showing interest in him in the first round. One of those teams is reportedly the Lakers.
According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Lakers are interested in Simons in the late first round. The Portland Trail Blazers were also mentioned.
Anfernee Simons is getting some first round buzz: The Blazers and Lakers are interested in the late first, per sources. Heard Simons also impressed at a workout on Wednesday with the Cavs. Simons is raw but projects as an athletic scoring guard with size: https://t.co/MMsjLxHu0W
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 15, 2018
Portland Trail Blazer beat writer, Joe Freeman, shares the same sentiment. He reported that the Blazers were the third team, after the Lakers and Orlando Magic, to host Simons for a second workout.
Anfernee Simons said the Blazers were the third team to request a second predraft workout with him, joining the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers.
— Joe Freeman (@BlazerFreeman) June 19, 2018
Simons is an intriguing prospect. At 6’3″ with a 6’9″ wingspan, he has the potential to be an excellent two-way player. He is a gifted scorer but has the tools to become a great defender as well.
Simons is athletically gifted. He recorded a 41.5-inch max vertical leap and a 3.1-second three-quarter sprint. Both were among the best recorded at the NBA Combine this year.
Simons needs some time to develop, but there is immense potential there. His scoring prowess would fit in well on the Lakers second unit, where they are thin on ball handlers and scorers. Given his size, he would be able to play alongside any of the other guards on the Lakers’ roster. He would make for a good partner for Lonzo Ball or Josh Hart depending on the lineup being used.
Next: Complete 2018 First Round Mock Draft
While Simons isn’t the most NBA ready prospect in this year’s class, there aren’t many with as much untapped potential. At only 19-years old, Simons has plenty of time to grow and develop his skills.