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

3. Jett Howard, Michigan, wing

Jett Howard checks in at 6’8, 215, and is the son of Juwan Howard, one of LeBron’s closest friends. But the 20-year-old is known for much more than that.

Jett strives playing off-ball as a floor spacer. He isn’t the quickest and doesn’t jump the highest, but he is a smart all-around basketball player. The Michigan product usually makes the correct reads and can score efficiently from the 3-point and mid-range areas.

Jett Howard’s basketball IQ and skillset make him a great fit on the Lakers.

However, this could cause some congestion at the wing position for the Lakers (If they go through with returning Rui Hachimura).

While usually there is never enough room for that coveted spot on an NBA roster, especially in today’s day in age. The Lakers finally began to clean that up at the 2023 trade deadline when they acquired Rui and Jarred Vanderbilt. So adding another surely wouldn’t be a bad thing, but is it necessary?

Lively and Hawkins should be slightly above Howard on the Lakers’ draft board because of year two Max Christie. In limited games last year showed flashes of the player he can evolve into, and has garnered high praise from many inside the organization. As soon as next season Christie should see legitimate minutes in the Lakers’ rotation behind James, Hachimura, and Vanderbilt.

With that being said, Jordan Hawkins, Dereck Lively II and Jett Howard should be Los Angeles’ top three draft targets. When you look at how they would currently fit and factor in the years beyond, it feels like a win-win. Hopefully one of them is still on the board to be selected when the Lakers are on the clock.

The NBA Draft is scheduled for June 22, but it can’t come soon enough.