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Lakers: 5 players LA could buy/trade into the 2nd round to take

By Cameron Salce

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Elijah Weaver #3 of the USC Trojans guards Nico Mannion #1 of the Arizona Wildcats as he drives to the basket in the first half of the game at Galen Center on February 27, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Elijah Weaver #3 of the USC Trojans guards Nico Mannion #1 of the Arizona Wildcats as he drives to the basket in the first half of the game at Galen Center on February 27, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /

2. Malachi Flynn

Just like the team he leads, the San Diego State Aztecs, Malachi Flynn surprised many and had a break-out year last season, and developed into one of the best guards in the NCAA. His ability to lead an offense and be a score-first point guard is something the Lakers have not had in quite some time.

Flynn flashed potential in the Pac-12 at Washington State in his first two seasons in college, but after his transfer to SDSU, he really got more time to have the ball in his hands. He turned that opportunity into 17.6 points and 5.1 assists per game and led his team in both those categories plus steals as well.

He started to receive national recognition when the Aztecs started dominating the Mountain West Conference, and that made him the logical choice for Mountain West Player of the Year. His performance was even impressive enough to earn him a spot on the 2020 John R. Wooden Award All-American Team.

What stands out from Flynn’s game is his poise and decision making running an offense, he ranked 14th in the nation in assist to turn over ratio and was top 50 in the NCAA in assists. He would be an excellent fit to run the second unit as a backup point guard to help fill the void if Rajon Rondo decides to leave in free agency.

With him also playing three years at the collegiate level and being an older junior because of his transfer to SDSU, it is easy to see him fall to the second round because he does not have the youth and upside of some of the younger prospects in the draft.

For instance, Fred VanVleet is a similar point guard that had a long and much more consistent college career, but found himself snubbed and undrafted on draft night in 2016. His big season at SDSU could be enough for a team to take him in the first round, but he could be there for the Lakers to make a move and get later on as well.

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