NBA Mock Draft: Experienced power forward linked to Lakers
By Mike Luciano
The Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA Draft plans need to include players that can be trusted to make an immediate Day 1 impact on the offensive side of the ball, all while helping the team out from 3-point range. This draft is full of players that can help fill out that very specific archetype for Rob Pelinka.
The Lakers have been linked to a ton of high-end guards that all profile as shooters who can excel on kick-out passes from LeBron James. Still, the idea of drafting a player that can operate on the low block in the name of depth might be appealing to some in LA.
With Anthony Davis always a threat to go down to injury and the offseason status of Rui Hachimura very much up in the air, LA needs to add a forward. With the rival Kings having added a standout from Iowa last year, the Lakers could find themselves following in that same path.
The latest from CBS Sports has the Lakers drafting Iowa power forward Kris Murray, the twin brother of Kings rookie standout Keegan Murray. While not the athlete his brother is, Kris has a similar skillset that could help him carve out a role with the Lakers.
Going to be fascinating to see where Kris Murray ends up on #NBADraft night
— No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA) May 29, 2023
Talented floor spacer with a strong feel for the game and intriguing defensive upside. Could become a steal for an NBA team
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Will the Los Angeles Lakers draft Kris Murray?
Murray averaged over 20 points per game last season, and he’s a career 35% 3-point shooter. A matchup nightmare at his best, Murray might be too big for wings to handle on the perimeter and too quick for some of the more physical big men in the Western Conference to stick with.
The fact that Murray connected on over 58% of his 2-pointers attests to his impeccable finishing skills that will translate over to the professional ranks. Murray doesn’t have crazy assist numbers, but his passing skills are very solid for a big like him.
Kris Murray has a good shot at being a good NBA shooter.
— Nate Babcock NBA Draft (@coachnatebdraft) June 3, 2023
His mechanics are pretty darn clean, and the tweaks he needs to make seem pretty minor. I’m buying his shot long term.
Many of the same criticisms that were applied to his brother also hold true for Kris, as he is not an amazing athlete who might have a hard cap on what he could do as a defender. However, LA might have enough of a solid defensive infrastructure to absorb the risk that comes with an older prospect like Murray.
