Los Angeles Lakers: Complete 2018 NBA Draft first round grades

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

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25. player. 20. . Center. Michigan. Moritz Wagner

With the 25th overall pick, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to add one of the top shooting big men in the draft. The selection of Moritz Wagner at 25 may have come as a bit of a surprise, but he does fit a potential need for the Lakers.

Since Brook Lopez is a free agent this offseason, he likely won’t be returning as the Lakers pursue stars like LeBron James and Paul George. Even though Lopez had a down season for the Lakers, he was able to stretch the floor very nicely.

At Michigan, Wagner was one of the best shooting centers in college, and that is very appealing in the NBA now. Having a big man that can move and shoot three-pointers has almost become a necessity in the NBA now, and Wagner checks those boxes.

While Wagner has some good skills on the offensive side of the court, he will have to prove himself as a defender in the NBA. Also, similarly to Lopez, Wagner will have to prove that he can rebound. However, playing with good rebounders like Lonzo Ball and Julius Randle would help hide any potential rebounding weaknesses for Wagner. Overall, taking Wagner was a solid choice by the Lakers.

Grade: B

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