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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
CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 16: Rodney Bullock #5 of the Providence Friars defends Robert Williams #44 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 16, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

– Robert Williams

When the Lakers came up with Williams on the clock, many had to be expecting them to pull the trigger on him. Williams’ draft stock fell a bit on Draft day, as the big man with lottery potential ended up falling to the Boston Celtics with the 27th pick.

Since Brook Lopez is an unrestricted free agent, getting a center to replace him was certainly a need for the Lakers. As we head toward free agency, the Lakers are more focused on adding players like LeBron James and Paul George, rather than a big man.

Drafting Williams would have given the Lakers a player with a lot of upside, and also a player that could fill a need at center. While Wagner is going to be more of a perimeter player in the NBA, Williams would have provided the Lakers with a solid rim protector and rebounder in the middle. There are certainly positives to both of their games, but Williams has a much higher upside than Wagner.

Next: Complete First Round Grades

While there are some concerns about Williams off-the-court, there is no denying that he could be a special talent. With some good coaching a people around him, Williams could become a very good player in the NBA.

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