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Los Angeles Lakers: Grading their 2018 draft selections

By Dominic Torres

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Moritz Wagner poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 25th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers 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 Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Moritz Wagner poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 25th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers 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 Stobe/Getty Images) /
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SF/PG. Frankfurt Skyliners/Germany. IsaacBonga. 39. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 20

INTANGIBLES

  • Age – 18.6
  • Height – 6’9″
  • Weight – 203 LBS
  • Wingspan – 7’0″
  • Standing Reach – 8’11”

ANALYSIS

The pick acquired from Philadelphia was, in many ways, is mind baffling to me. I love Bonga as a prospect, but 39 was a tad bit too high for me. ESPN draft guru and czar of DraftExpress Jonathan Givony’s Top 100 Big Board had Bonga at 61, not even being included in the draft. For a EuroStash player, Bonga’s salary will not count against the cap, but his development will be something to look out for.

Like Jaren Jackson Jr. of Michigan State, Bonga possesses many untapped traits that could make him one of the best rotational players in the NBA. Standing at 6’9″, Bonga has great navigation on the offensive side of the floor. Bonga is also far advanced as a point forward in pick and roll sets as the ball handler, not something many other prospects with his height have.

However, Bonga has his downsides. His thin frame at 203 pounds means that teams will pick on him on the defensive side of the floor. Bonga’s jumpshot needs some major revamps, including a quicker release. Tape of him playing for the Skyliners also shows he might need to be less timid when opportunities arise. Limiting the turnovers would also help Bonga’s regard in the playmaking set.

Only time will tell if Bonga succeeds on the National Basketball stage. If he pans out, Bonga could very well be one of the best playmakers off the bench for the Lakers. For now, it is a to be decided that will have to wait until next year when he is in the Purple and Gold, himself.

Los Angeles Lakers. ISAAC BONGA. C. . SF/PG

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