One Lakers draft target at each position with the 17th overall pick

Lakers center draft target: Dereck Lively Jr, Duke

Dereck Lively Jr. is a highly-touted 7-foot-1 center out of Duke. As a freshman, Lively showed promise and earned multiple accolades, including ACC All-Defense, ACC All-Freshman, and ACC All-Tournament.

Lively’s greatest strength is his 7-foot-7 wingspan, which allows him to catch balls at the high point over other tall defenders, giving him an advantage when it comes to finishing at the rim. He also showed a good understanding of his role as an offensive player at Duke, primarily featuring as a roll and cut big. His athleticism and wingspan combine to make him a fearsome lob threat from all angles. He rarely attempted three-pointers, but his stroke is not bad and could be developed at the next level.

Additionally, Lively was probably the best shot-blocker in college basketball last season, averaging 7.2 blocks per 100 possessions. On the defensive end, Lively will be able to adapt to virtually any defensive scheme in the NBA, making him a valuable asset for any team. His defensive abilities will only improve as he learns from the best defensive player in the world in Anthony Davis if he were to get drafted by the Lakers.

However, Lively needs to work on his rebounding and become stronger for the next level. He needs to develop a more refined post-up game and improve his free-throw shooting, which currently stands at 60 percent.

Overall, Lively’s rare combination of size, athleticism, and shot-blocking prowess make him an intriguing prospect for any team in need of a plug-and-play center. With a bit of development, he could become an impactful player in the NBA.

NBA Comparison:  Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler