Pro comparisons for 5 projected Lakers selections from recent mock drafts

Zach Edey, C, Purdue Boilermakers

Ambitious Pro Comparison: Yao Ming

Realistic Pro Comparison: Ivica Zubac

In the most recent mock draft by Jonathan Givony of ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Zach Edey to fill a need. It's a projection that's likely to gain traction, as Edey has All-NBA potential, although there's also the floor of a player who the game moves too fast for.

Standing at 7'3.75" and 299 pounds with an unfathomable 7'10.75" wingspan, Edey is the two-time defending National College Player of the Year—and he could continue to rack up awards in the NBA.

Edey was a dominant force at the collegiate level, averaging 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game. He's not a three-point shooter, but he's skilled in the post, more than willing to set screens, and quicker around the basket than he gets credit for.

Due to his unique size, build, and skill set, that makes an ambitious comparison to Yao Ming a rational reach—albeit dependent upon Edey developing a similarly consistent midrange game.

Perhaps a more realistic comparison is Ivica Zubac, who has become a productive starter after leaving the Lakers for the L.A. Clippers. At 7'0" with a 7'4" wingspan, he uses his size and length to score inside, dominate the offensive glass, and block shots at a respectable rate.

In either scenario, the Lakers would be getting a player whose presence on the court commands attention, no matter what else is going on around them.

Edey just needs to be faster to get into position and get his shots off.