The Los Angeles Lakers were very pleased when Svi Mykhailiuk was still on the board for them in the second round.
Over the past few years, the Los Angeles Lakers have done a very good job drafting. While they have been able to have some top picks due to poor records, the Lakers have also drafted well later on in the NBA Draft.
Getting players late in the first round and in the second round that can be in the rotation is extremely important for a team, and is also a way to build a contender. In the 2017 NBA Draft, the Lakers did just that by selecting Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart late in the first round.
This past season, the Lakers selected Michigan big man, Moritz Wagner, toward the end of the first round. In the second round, the Lakers then used their two picks on Isaac Bonga and Svi Mykhailiuk.
Jesse Buss has done a great job finding talent for the Lakers and he will hope that these picks turn out like some of the others in previous years.
When asked about Svi possibly being drafted before the Lakers got back on the clock, Buss felt all sort of emotions. Here’s what he said to Mike Trudell via LakersNation.com.
"“Terrified. We felt like he was basically a first round talent. We were surprised he was there at 39, and much more surprised he was there at 47.”"
Seeing Buss considering Svi a first-round talent is certainly surprising to hear. However, if the evaluation is correct, the Lakers will have gotten an absolute steal toward the end of the second round.
In the Las Vegas Summer League, Svi played very well for the Lakers, as he showcased his ability to be a knockdown shooter. While his wingspan was questioned entering the draft, Svi is extremely athletic, which helps make up for that.
While we will have to wait and see if Svi turns into a first round talent in the NBA, Buss certainly seems to like him quite a bit. Considering others weren’t high on Kuzma and Hart, the Lakers might have another draft steal on their hands with Svi.