5 Available players Lakers should trade up for in second round of 2024 NBA Draft

Jamal Shead, Houston Cougars

If the Los Angeles Lakers are looking for answers at the point guard position, then Jamal Shead could be the perfect fit. If the Lakers are hoping to find a tough player who can potentially become a lockdown defender in the NBA, then Shead is as safe a bet as anyone.

Arguably the best defensive point guard in the 2024 NBA Draft, Shead could come in and make an instant impact for JJ Redick and the Lakers.

Shead is a tenacious defender and excellent athlete who plays bigger than his listed height of 6'0.25" with a 6'3" wingspan. He uses his poweful 201-pound frame to bring the physicality to the players he defends, and is as skilled as anyone in this class at creating turnovers.

In Los Angeles, Shead could make an instant impact or learn from veteran Gabe Vincent for a season before a bigger role is ultimately presented to him.

Shead's lack of a consistent outside shot is the reason he fell out of the first round. He's a career 77.2 percent shooter from the free throw line, however, and has decent enough form for Redick and the Lakers to potentially help him improve from beyond the arc.

The reigning Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and Big 12 Player of the Year, Shead is one of the top sleepers in the 2024 NBA Draft.

The Lakers would be wise to do what they can to bring him to Los Angeles.