Lake Show Life
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The Los Angeles Lakers’ dream team if they nailed every draft pick

By Michael Shearer

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 22: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on December 22, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Lakers defeated the Nuggets 111-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 22: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on December 22, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. The Lakers defeated the Nuggets 111-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
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Jalen Brunson, Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

Lakers’ actual 2018 pick: Mo Wagner; Should have been: Jalen Brunson

The 2018 draft will go down as one of the best in history. The top-end talent speaks for itself: Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Jaren Jackson Jr., Mikal Bridges, Miles Bridges, Michael Porter Jr., and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were all lottery picks.

But there was a load of ability in the back end of the draft, too. Wagner is a guy; he does basketball things on occasion. But the Lakers could’ve had numerous other, better players. If they needed a big, Robert Williams was selected just two picks later (by the Celtics, again!), and Mitchell Robinson went in the second round.

Tweener forward Jarred Vanderbilt could’ve been had years earlier than in reality. Nuggets ace sixth man Bruce Brown was on the board, as were quality rotation guards De’Anthony Melton and Shake Milton.

But Jalen Brunson, picked #33, would’ve been a perfect fit for the Lakers. Even though the 2018-19 Lakers had several solid backcourt options (Ball, Rajon Rondo, Reggie Bullock, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and more), Brunson is comfortable playing either guard position and flexible enough to fill an abundance of roles.

We’ve seen Brunson get better and better throughout his career, and his offensive flexibility and crafty, stutter-steppy game would’ve been a perfect fit next to LeBron when he gained more experience.

Late first-rounders are always a flier; it’s hard to fault the Lakers for missing here. But given the quality still available, it’s a disappointing outcome.

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