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

1. Nico Mannion

One of the only prospects that the Lakers reportedly worked out leading up to the NBA draft this week was the explosive guard out of Arizona, Nico Mannion. Usually, where there is smoke there is fire, and speaking of fire, the Lakers seem to be very interested in this redhead considering there were hardly any reports of them working out anyone else when they still held the 28th pick.

They could be keeping their workouts on the down-low because of the coronavirus pandemic, but in this 24-hour media cycle that is highly unlikely.

If the Lakers were working out Mannion to possibly draft him in the first round, then they would jump for joy if he somehow slid into the second, and would likely make a move to draft him. Some recent mock drafts do have him slipping that far, and even a recent poll from a reputable Arizona sports site on Twitter had most fans seeing him going in the second round as well.

Early on in the draft process, he was seen as possibly being a lottery selection and maybe a top 10 pick, and it is clear that the Lakers see that potential in him. This is the one player that would be very shocking to see the Lakers not make a move to draft him if he fell into their lap.

As far as a fit or role Mannion could play if the Lakers were able to select him, he would be an off the bench combo guard with the ability to shoot, put it on the floor and finish at the rim, and also run the second unit as a playmaker if called upon.

It would be interesting to see Mannion paired in a backcourt with Alex Caruso because they are both a don’t judge a book by its cover basketball story with their highlight reel level dunks, breaking the white man can’t jump stereotype.

When Rob Pelinka wants something, he usually goes out and gets it, and he worked out Mannion, so if he falls to the second round, do not be surprised if he makes a trade to go get him.