1. Chris Duarte
Chris Duarte is the best player that the Los Angeles Lakers could realistically land in the 2021 NBA Draft. Corey Kispert would probably be the best fit and most impactful right away but there is no chance that he falls to the Lakers at 22. Duarte should be taken right around the 22nd pick.
Duarte is the classic case of a player who may not have as high of a ceiling as the earlier picks in the draft but is going to be more impactful right away. He may never blossom into an all-star-caliber player but from the get-go, he should be able to be inserted into the rotation and provide valuable minutes.
Duarte is older than most of his draft classmates, which bodes well for his instant production in the league. Duarte is 24 years old and already showed a very polished game at Oregon.
Duarte adds the two things that the Los Angeles Lakers need: three-point shooting and defense. Duarte was one of the best defenders in the Pac-12, being named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team as well as the All-Pac 12 Team.
He averaged 17.1 points per game for the Ducks last season, making 42.4% of his three-point shots. His overall shooting efficiency was off the charts as he drilled 53.2% of his shots and 81% of his free throws as well.
He has the proper size for a two-guard and is fine athletically. Take the lower ceiling and get someone who can contribute right away.