Lakers draft: 3 first-round prospects that can have an instant impact in LA

2. Dereck Lively II, Duke, center

At 7’1, 215, Dereck Lively II is an all-world athlete whose specialization comes on the defensive end, specifically around the rim.

In just 20 minutes per game at Duke, averaged 2.4 rejections and anchored one of the better defenses in college basketball when he was on the floor. The ability to guard in space at his size is what stands out most when looking at the intriguing prospect. When he had to switch onto guards, it never really felt like the mismatch it usually is for most big men.

Dereck’s timing, mixed with his athleticism and physical tools can provide the Lakers a type of player they haven’t had since the 2019-2020 season (JaVale McGee).

Besides a rim-runner/lob threat, Lively enters the league very limited offensively. On the plus side, he did have a really good Pro Day shooting the 3-ball, and that is something that he has consistently worked on as the season progressed in Durham.

https://twitter.com/BackcourtAlerts/status/1662225387412389889

But take that video with a grain of salt. Hundreds of college/professional players every year show what they have been ‘working on’ in the offseason, so a few clips in an open gym setting isn’t that convincing. However, at just 18 years old if he is able to add a 32-ish percent 3-point shot, or just becomes solid in the mid-range area, he could legitimately be good in the league for 12-15 years.

Dereck Lively would be asked to bring to the Lakers the things he is already great at.

Lively is already great at defending, running the floor and snatching offensive rebounds. The jumper/offensive game will have plenty of years to come together. Anthony Davis will be the one looked upon to knock down shots more consistently again this season to make the fit work.