5 Best active players drafted at No. 17 overall ahead of crucial Lakers 2024 pick

4. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, 2019

One season after Donte DiVincenzo was selected at No. 17 overall, Nickeil Alexander-Walker was found at the same spot. Alexander-Walker has bounced around a bit, playing for three teams in five seasons, but he made a name for himself with the 56-26 Minnesota Timberwolves in 2023-24.

Previously heralded for his scoring potential, Alexander-Walker showed the selflessness to embrace a more defensive-minded role on a T-Wolves team that reached the Western Conference Finals.

Alexander-Walker stands at 6'5" and 205 pounds with a 6'9.5" wingspan. He's come to put those tools to great use as a versatile defender who picks up perimeter players at all three positions for a Timberwolves squad that's built its success on its defensive play.

That's complemented by his vastly improved three-point shooting, including career-best marks of 131 three-point field goals made on 39.1 percent efficiency in 2023-24.

Alexander-Walker scored in double-figures in three of Minnesota's four wins over the Phoenix Suns during the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. He then sacrificed his shots for defense during the seven-game battle against the Denver Nuggets in the second round.

If the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to complement Anthony Davis and LeBron James with high-quality role players, Alexander-Walker has set an admirable standard.