Los Angeles Lakers Draft: A dark horse pick that could be perfect for LA

Jan 21, 2021; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Josh Christopher (13) goaltends a shot by Arizona Wildcats guard James Akinjo (13) during the second half at Desert Financial Arena (Tempe). Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2021; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Josh Christopher (13) goaltends a shot by Arizona Wildcats guard James Akinjo (13) during the second half at Desert Financial Arena (Tempe). Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Lakers Draft nugget number one: He’s an athletic scorer that can play three positions!

The first thing that stands out in Josh Christopher’s highlights is his athleticism. At 6’4, 215 pounds, he has the potential to be a true combo guard, who also possesses the ability to play small forward.

With the NBA being a copycat league, most executives are looking for the poor man’s Anthony Edwards who was last year’s number one pick. His experience of playing out of position at Arizona State could be a blessing in disguise if the Lakers tried to use him at the three spot in a situational small ball lineup.

Christopher has shown the ability to get to the rack and score and can take the game over when the opportunity presents itself.

Josh Christopher is also solid ball handler for his size and can get his own shot and score off the dribble (Also read…Does not need LeBron James to set him up!). His ability to finish above the rim will keep him effective while trying to develop as a shooter in the NBA game.

What Lakers should look at is Christopher’s  80 percent clip from the free-throw line. That means two things.

  1. The shooting stroke is there which leads to potential for improved shooting with proper coaching.
  2. With his ability to get to the rim, he can get to the line to score even when his shots aren’t falling.

No matter what the Los Angeles Lakers do whether they build their roster through trade, free agency or the draft, they need two-way players to make a championship run. If they go by trade, Josh Christopher could be that guy. Read on to see what his other strengths are besides scoring…