Lakers mock draft: LA lands 2 extremely exciting scorers to bolster depth
By Jason Reed
With the 38th pick in this NBA mock draft, the Lakers select Azuolas Tubelis, PF, Arizona
The Los Angeles Lakers have done a really good job of landing impact role players at the back end of the first round or in the second round. Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, Talen Horton-Tucker, Max Christie, and Moritz Wagner are just a few examples of legitimate rotation players the Lakers have drafted in recent years.
With the team already having a pick in the lottery (and using it on a younger player), the team should be targeting an older player in the second round. These players do not have as high of ceilings as 19-year-old prospects but they are typically better right away in the league.
Look at Kuzma as the perfect example. Brandon Ingram had the higher ceiling (as an all-star) but Kuzma was far more impactful in his rookie year than Ingram was. With the Lakers not having many means to add in the offseason, adding a rookie that can actually have an impact in year one would be great.
Azuolas Tubelis is a great candidate to fill that role for Los Angeles. The Lakers are incredibly thin at wing and Tubelis would add more depth alongside Sensabaugh. He too has thrived this season, averaging 20 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.
Because of his ability to space the floor (42.9% from three this season), he is a great candidate to play next to Anthony Davis in the frontcourt without sacrificing size (six-eleven).
