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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Players they should have picked over Moritz Wagner

By Nick Ziegler

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Moritz Wagner reacts 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 reacts 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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Los Angeles Lakers
DALLAS, TX – JUNE 22: Draft Pick Jalen Brunson poses for a portrait at the Post NBA Draft press conference on June 22, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

– Jalen Brunson

Another player that was likely on the Lakers’ board was Villanova point guard Jalen Brunson. The Lakers reportedly held a private individual workout for Brunson, as he was clearly on their radar.

Adding Brunson would have instantly given the Lakers a solid backup point guard that could run the offense and score in multiple ways. At Villanova last season, Brunson was named the National Player of the Year, and was arguably the best player on a team that had four players drafted, and three of them being in the first round.

Last season, Brunson averaged 18.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game. Considering all of the talent that was on Villanova, Brunson averaging nearly 20 points per game is quite impressive. Brunson showed that he is a very efficient player, as he shot it over 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range.

While Carter would have given the Lakers a boost defensively at guard, adding Brunson would have given them one of the best offensive players in college last season. With the Lakers passing on Carter and Brunson, they likely prioritized adding a center over a guard. However, getting an upgrade for Ennis will be a priority in free agency.

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