Los Angeles Lakers: 5 lottery-level NBA Draft prospects that could fall to LA

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: General manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the 2019 Summer League game against the New York Knicks at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Tre Jones, PG

Tre Jones was one of the most heavily recruited players in the class that brought both Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett to Duke. Now, it appears that Jones has fallen behind his counterparts, but still figures to be an excellent role player in his NBA future. A few years back, Jones seemed like a lock to be a lottery asset and has now fallen into the second-round conversation.

Jones has demonstrated defensive chops at Duke, averaging 1.8 steals per game this past season. His three-point shooting also took a huge leap — 26.2 percent all the way up to 36.1 percent in 2019-2020. He wound up averaging over 16 points and six assists for Duke which is more than impressive. He isn’t quite as seasoned as Riller and Tillie, but Jones has the prospect pedigree that could force the Lakers’ hand.

The Lakers’ point guard depth has been decimated by the likely loss of Rajon Rondo to free agency and while Jones doesn’t figure to be the type to step in and take 25 minutes per game right away, he could provide minutes for a championship-caliber team like the Los Angeles Lakers in a pinch.

Jones’s defense will likely be his calling card in addition to his excellent playmaking ability, but if he can develop his shot from beyond the arc even further, we could be looking at a valuable piece to the puzzle for Los Angeles.

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