Los Angeles Lakers: 5 players to target in the 2020 NBA Draft

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: The first round draft board is seen during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: The first round draft board is seen during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers draft target: Cassius Winston

The Michigan State point guard seems to be a popular idea for the Los Angeles Lakers as his name has popped up in numerous mock drafts as the Lakers’ selection.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise as Winston profiles to be a great fit for the Lakers. Winston spent the last 4 years at Michigan State during which he was consistently one of the best point guards in college.

He put together one of the best college careers at one of the most illustrious programs in the country. Winston is one of the most mature players in this class. He’ll also boast one of the best basketball IQ’s and a sneaky good well-rounded offensive game.

The Lakers may have lucked out with the NCAA tournament being canceled. Last year, Winston led the Spartans to a Final Four berth. Had he spearheaded another deep run this year, he almost certainly would’ve slotted himself higher and outside of the Laker’s range.

Speaking of range, have you seen this guy? He shot over 43% on his 3 point attempts last season and never shot lower than 38% his freshman year. His ball-handling, court vision, and passing precision further round out a top tier offensive game.

His physical limitations, spotty defense, and sub-par athleticism are legitimate concerns. However, Winston has already shown us in college he can mitigate these concerns thanks to his crafty style of play and his ability to shoot the lights out.

The Lakers’ current point guard core of Rondo, Caruso and Cook is certainly one of the weaker ones; and there’s no reason to believe that Winston wouldn’t be able to secure a backup role or even a possible starting gig on this team.

Winston’s combination of maturity, basketball IQ, and lights out shooting should have LeBron James doing his best Birdman hand rubbing impression.