Los Angeles Lakers: Draft targets to potentially replace Kyle Kuzma
By Jason Reed
2. Jalen Smith, Maryland
Some outlets have Jalen Smith higher than others, but it appears as if he is going to go in the late first round or the early second round, at the absolute earliest. While Tankaton ranks him as high as 16, ESPN ranks him 30th while NBADraft.Net ranks him 35th.
Smith would not be as perfect of a replacement as Bey would be but he has a lot of upside that would be exciting for the Los Angeles Lakers. Primarily, while he does not fit the mold of being a wind defender, he is a great rim protector and could help the Lakers clog driving lanes, continuing their size domination on the glass.
Smith would have to improve his shooting to be out on the court with LeBron and Davis as his wing defense is not fantastic, but is at least on par with what Kuzma is currently giving the team.
He did show improvements in his shot, however, as he shot 36.8 percent from beyond the arc in his sophomore year. If he can continue trending in the right direction, he is someone the Lakers could throw out there with LeBron and AD when AD is running the center.
If not, he can still be a valuable second-unit rim protector and stretch four, which could help with any potential regressions or injuries to the two veteran centers on the team, JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard (assuming Howard stays).
It is not a perfect fit and if Smith cannot shoot the rock then he is not going to be a great fit. However, if he is just as good as he was in his sophomore year, then he will have a role on the Lakers.