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Los Angeles Lakers draft: 3 bold predictions for LA in the 2021 NBA Draft

By Jason Reed

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: General manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers (L) talks with head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers (R) during the 2019 Summer League 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)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: General manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers (L) talks with head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers (R) during the 2019 Summer League 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 Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers draft
(Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers draft /

2. The Los Angeles Lakers draft an older prospect

The Los Angeles Lakers should not be looking to draft a project in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft. The Lakers need someone who can come in next season and play valuable minutes in the rotation. With the team having a late pick this means they should take an older prospect.

That does not mean that there will not be any value late in the first round. Kyle Kuzma is a perfect example of this. Kuzma’s ceiling was never as high as a lottery pick, such as Brandon Ingram, but he was more impactful right away when he came into the league.

With the Lakers not being in the best salary-cap situation and with the title window potentially shrinking, the team needs to bring in a cheap rotation player. That is why the 2021 NBA Draft is important to LA.

The absolute dream prospect for the Lakers in this year’s draft is Chris Duarte but it is pretty unlikely that he falls to the team at 22, that is why moving down in the draft is okay for the Lakers.

Rob Pelinka is still going to have his choice of more experienced prospects if he moves down in the first round as teams are going to favor players with higher ceilings.

Just because the Lakers are going to draft an older player in the first does not mean they won’t get a younger player that they could look to develop. That leads into our third and final bold prediction for the 2021 NBA Draft.

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