Lakers Rumors: Darius Garland leaves draft combine with possible promise

Darius Garland can kinda put you in the mind of Nick Van Exel!

People that read my analyst pieces kinda know that I like to be right at times. Let’s all hope that if the Lakers draft Darius Garland, I’m right on this one. The rhythm of the dribble to get his shot along with the confidence that he exudes, he reminds me of Nick the Quick.

I wasn’t a Lakers fan, but I have been a fan of Van Exel since he was a Cincinnati Bearcat and wasn’t scared of talking trash with the Fab Five in the NCAA tournament. It takes a confident dude to talk to ALL of the Fab Five while giving them buckets in the Final Four.

Van Exel was a second-round pick of Jerry West back in 1993. West himself said that Nick Van Exel was one of his all-time favorite players in the NBA. Questions about his attitude plummeted his draft stock and eventually got him traded for feuding with then-coach Del Harris.

But think about the talent Nick Van Exel had to have to not only start in a devastating backcourt with Eddie Jones, but also become a star.

In Darius Garland’s highlights, you see the same similarities using his handles to get off his own shot. Plus you noticed he was in a last-second situation where he dribbled down the clock at half court and knocked down a jumper with confidence.

This is the type of confidence that the Lakers can use on this roster. We already know that in crunch time, LeBron James is a willing passer if he draws the double team at the end of games. If Garland can keep his confidence in his jumper, he will get opportunities.

The 2019 NBA Draft is on June 20, so the Lakers rumors will be rampant with the trade chatter, draft night promises and combine performances. Lake Show Life will do it’s best to try to be the guide towards getting information on what will surely be a wild draft.

Keep it locked to the number one source for Los Angeles Lakers draft coverage.