2024 NBA Draft: 5 sharpshooters who can make an instant impact for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers need shooters. Thankfully, the 2024 NBA Draft will offer the Lakers an opportunity to make an instant improvement with long-term upside.
NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament - Second Round - James Madison v Duke
NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament - Second Round - James Madison v Duke / Sarah Stier/GettyImages
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2. Tyler Kolek, PG, Marquette Golden Eagles

Projected Range: Mid-to-late first round

A potential option at No. 17 overall, Marquette Golden Eagles point guard Tyler Kolek is a well-rounded player with intriguing potential. He's arguably the best passer in this class and has a proven track record in terms of stepping up in big games.

A potential two-way player whose lack of ideal length is offset by his strength and intensity, Kolek could fill multiple voids for the Lakers.

From a pure shooting perspective, Kolek has knocked down at least 38.8 percent of his three-point field goals in each of the past two seasons. He shot 80.2 percent or better at the free throw line in three of his four collegiate campaigns, with the lone exception being his freshman year, when he converted at a rate of 79.4 percent.

The characteristic that arguably separates Kolek from other shooters in this class, however, is that his court vision helped him meet a Jason Kidd standard.

Kolek, who averaged 7.7 assists per game as a senior, led Marquette to its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2013. In the process, he became the first player since Kidd in 1993 to post at least 15 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds in consecutive NCAA Tournament games.

It was a shining example of what makes Kolek special, as his ability to drive, space the floor, and facilitate the offense make him the type of well-rounded player who could thrive in the NBA.