2. There is a perfect fit for the Los Angeles Lakers in Chris Duarte
Part of the reason why the Los Angeles Lakers traded the 28th pick last year, other than simply wanting to get Dennis Schroder, could have been that the Lakers did not like anyone late in the draft. As previously stated, the Lakers have an eye for talent and they will go get someone they like, such as when they traded future picks to get back into the second round for Talen Horton-Tucker.
There is a perfect fit in this year’s draft that should be circled 10 times over: Chris Duarte. The Oregon State shooting guard is exactly what the Los Angeles Lakers need on so many different levels that it honestly feels absurd that he could be available to the team at 22nd.
Duarte is one of the best three and D prospects in the entire draft and he is going to make an instant impact in the NBA. He is coming into the league at 24 years old, meaning that he is closer to his ceiling than a younger prospect. While that means a lower ceiling, it means instant contributions for the Lakers, which is the goal along with future projection.
Duarte shot 42.4% from beyond the arc in 5.5 attempts per game last season. He averaged 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game. He was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team as well as the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team.
The best part is that he is going to be right in the Los Angeles Lakers’ range. ESPN ranks him 24th, Tankathon ranks him 21st and The Ringer ranks him 20th.