The best options for the Lakers in the 2021 NBA draft
The 2021 NBA draft is just a few days away, and the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to have a pick this time.
After trading their first-round pick last season in a deal for Dennis Schroder, the Lakers have the No. 22 pick this year.
The question is whether the Lakers will move that pick for a win-now player or move back in the draft to acquire more picks, which is a possibility.
One of Los Angeles’ biggest needs for next season is another ball-handling option that can relieve some of the offensive burden shouldered by LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Fortunately for the Lakers, numerous guards are projected to be available in the range L.A. is slated to pick, but 3-and-D wings could also be an option.
Here are the top prospects L.A. should consider — in no specific order — in the draft, depending on if they keep their pick or move back in the draft, including honorable mentions:
No. 22: Chris Duarte
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The Lakers need someone who can score from all three levels, especially from mid-range and beyond the arc. It's a bonus if that player can come in immediately and help. Oregon guard Chris Duarte checks both boxes. At 24, he's one of the oldest players in the draft, so his upside isn't as high as other prospects projected to go in the first round. Still, he's a seasoned player who has room to grow, especially regarding his ability to pressure the rim. He took a massive leap in his sophomore season that saw his stock soar. Duarte shot 42.4% from deep on 5.5 attempts and is a capable defender. He's arguably the best prospect tailored for L.A., but he might not be available by the time the Lakers make their pick. The Golden State Warriors have brought him in for several workouts and could snag him at No. 14. Fit with the Lakers: Assuming Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is still a Laker, Duarte could come off the bench as the shooting guard who can play the three in small-ball lineups. There's room for him to be a ball-handler at times, but he's primed for an off-ball shooting role, too.
No. 22: Trey Murphy III
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Before the draft combine in late June, Trey Murphy III was regarded as an early second-round pick. Since then, his stock has increased as high as a potential late lottery pick. He could be a viable option at No. 22 if he's still on the board because of his 3-and-D potential. At 6 feet, 9 inches, Murphy hit 43.3% of his 3-point attempts (4.8 per game) in his final season in college. The season before that, Murphy nailed 36.8% on 7 attempts. He measured a 7-foot wingspan and would fill a role as a 3-and-D forward for the Lakers, who simply don't have that size and archetype apart from LeBron James. Kyle Kuzma also developed his defensive abilities this season to fit that role, too. Making the fit more plausible, the Lakers already interviewed him at the combine and brought him in for an individual workout at the team's practice facility, which gives him a good chance to be on Los Angeles' radar. Fit with the Lakers: At 206 pounds, Murphy is best as a three in today's league, with the potential to become a four if he can add more muscle. But with James as the likely four in small-ball lineups, Murphy could stick against opposing small forwards and knock down catch-and-shoot 3s. His handle isn't a strength right now to create off the dribble.
No. 22 or trade down: Tre Mann
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Tre Mann had one of the best leaps this season. After coming off the bench as a freshman and putting up mundane numbers, Mann reportedly grew two inches and put on 15 pounds of muscle as a sophomore. He shot 40.2% from deep on 4.7 attempts and is likely the best pull-up shooter in the draft because he has a deep bag of tricks in his arsenal. The Lakers ideally need to select someone who can create their own shots off the dribble, and Mann is one of the best in that regard. His athleticism against faster guards could be a problem, especially on the defensive end, so the Lakers would need to develop him more on that end while knowing he'll contribute offensively both on and off the ball. Mann is said to be an option for L.A. if he's available, but Mann could also drop some slots with it being a guard-heavy tier in this stage of the draft. Fit with the Lakers: The Lakers have three ball-handling guards entering free agency: Dennis Schroder, Alex Caruso and Talen Horton-Tucker. It's unlikely all three return, so Mann would probably be best coming off the bench to start and be a spark-plug scorer, especially if L.A. staggers one of James or Davis in the lineup. Mann can play both the one and two as a 6-foot-5 guard, similar to Horton-Tucker's position versatility.
No. 22 or trade down: Jared Butler
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Jared Butler played three seasons at Baylor and helped the team win an NCAA Championship in his final year. At 6 feet, 3 inches, Butler is best suited as a one in the NBA, though he can play off the ball because of his 3-point shooting ability; he knocked down 41.6% of his 3s on 6.2 attempts in his last year. He also made the All-Defense team in the Big 12, which would mesh well with the Lakers' No. 1 ranked defense this past season. There haven't been any reports about the Lakers scouting Jared Butler for the draft, but Butler's primary concern is his health. He has a heart condition that needed to be medically cleared, and doctors recently gave Butler the nod to keep playing. He could be available at No. 22 for L.A. and would make sense, but his health condition could cause him to drop lower in the first round. Fit with the Lakers: It all depends on how the guard position sorts out for L.A. Theoretically, Butler is a better version of Caruso, if Caruso doesn't return, because of his offensive capabilities. Butler is a better 3-point shooter and can create plays for others, so if L.A. can't afford to re-sign Caruso, he could have a similar role with the potential to be better.
No. 22: Jaden Springer
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Like Murphy, the Lakers also interviewed Jaden Springer during the combine and worked him out at the practice facility. At 18, Springer is one of the youngest prospects in the draft and has promising upside. His greatest strength is being a tenacious, pesky defender both on and off the ball. He shot 43.5% from deep on 1.8 attempts in his only season at Tennessee, so his shotmaking is his biggest swing skill if he develops it accordingly. Like Mann and Butler, Springer could also drop a few spots with the other guards projected to be picked in this round, so the Lakers could move back and take him if it's an option. Fit with the Lakers: Springer also radiates Caruso vibes regarding what he brings to the floor. Both are solid 3-point shooters on suboptimal volume and will hustle relentlessly on defense. Springer would be best coming off the bench as an energy spark and can defend both guard positions. He also reportedly has a 6-foot-8 wingspan, so defending 3s in certain matchups is possible.
No. 22 or trade down: Miles McBride
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Miles McBride received the opportunity to start as a sophomore and made a name for himself in West Virginia. The Lakers brought him in for an individual workout, so he could be a name to watch, particularly if the Lakers move back because he's projected to go lower than the other guards listed above. McBridge averaged 15.8 points, 4.9 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.9 steals; he drilled 41.4% of his 3s on 3.8 attempts. His best skill is his prowess on the defensive end, primarily at the point of attack. He gives opponents no space to work with and is always looking to lock up his matchup. He's undersized at 6 feet, 2 inches but is near a 6-foot-9 wingspan, which bodes well for his potential. Fit with the Lakers: He would be a backup to start, but if his 3-point jumper and general ability to score improves, he can jump to a starter in the NBA. His defense is strong enough to receive minutes and emanates Patrick Beverley's vibes as a smaller 3-and-D point guard.
No. 22 or trade down: Ayo Dosunmu
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Ayo Dosunmu had some of the best numbers at his position this season, which is why he should be a first-round pick. But there are concerns about his upside, so he could be a trade-down option if he falls in the draft. He put 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists in his last season with Illinois, but questions have emerged about his shot. He made 39% of his 3s on 2.9 attempts, but he shot 29.6 percent (3.3 attempts) as a sophomore and 35.2 percent (4.4 attempts) as a freshman. Can his mechanics translate or improve in the NBA? That's a major question to consider. The Lakers also brought Dosunmu in for an individual workout, which is why he makes this list. Fit with the Lakers: He's 6 feet, 5 inches with a 6-foot-10 wingspan and is also best suited to come off the bench right now. He's best as an on-ball guard because of his shooting struggles, but his 3.3 turnovers per game is a red flag, especially against the better defenses in the NBA. If he can utilize his tools and evolve, he can eventually suit up as a starter.
Trade down: Joshua Primo
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Like Springer, Joshua Primo is also 18 and one of the youngest players in the draft. He played one season at Alabama before declaring for the draft. Primo wasn't a primary option, which is why his per-game averages are low. But his upside looks extremely optimistic given the flashes he showed in a low-usage role. Primo shot 38.1% from deep on 3.8 attempts and averaged 0.8 assists, but both could've been better had he played a larger role in Alabama's offensive scheme. His shooting release is touted as one of the best in this class. The Lakers had a workout with Primo, and he's projected to be picked late in the first round or early in the second. Fit with the Lakers: If the Lakers can extract Primo's playmaking upside, he can gradually become the starting two-guard if the defense also comes along as it should. He looks capable of creating off the bounce for himself and his teammates at a bigger level, which unites with the Lakers' needs. To start, he'd be best coming off the bench and receive reps to handle the ball. Some early G League minutes with the South Bay Lakers would be rational.
Trade down: Josh Christopher
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If the Lakers move down into the second round, Josh Christopher would be one of the top options. At the combine, he measured slightly above 6 feet, 4 inches with a 6-foot-9 wingspan and is primarily a shooting guard. His shotmaking and athleticism are his two best traits at the moment, but he has plenty of room to grow on both ends. He averaged 14.3 points in his only season at Arizona State and isn't afraid to shoot from anywhere, though his shot selection will need refinement to survive in the NBA. He converted on 30.5% of his 3-pointers on 3.9 attempts, which will need to revamp in the NBA. He also had a workout with the Lakers, so he should be a name to watch if L.A. drops down to the second round. Fit with the Lakers: Christopher would likely benefit from G League minutes to start his career, but he could also come off the bench as the shooting guard to be a scoring option. If he can hit his potential, he can become a solid off-the-bounce scorer, but every other aspect of his game must improve.
Trade down: Austin Reaves
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Before we head to the honorable mention section, Austin Reaves rounds out another good option to take in the second round. The Lakers brought him in for a workout, and his skills are intriguing if he pans out. Reaves played four seasons of college ball spanning two schools. Most recently, he suited up for Oklahoma and averaged multiple career-high averages. His shotmaking and playmaking should translate, but his efficiency must improve after some troubling percentages as a senior. His 3-point percentages the last two seasons (25.9, 30.5) aren't appealing, but his tape reveals a player who can get to his spots and knock them down without hesitation. He made 86.5 percent of his free throws on 6.8 attempts, which further illustrates the upside there. Fit with the Lakers: Reaves would also benefit from G League minutes, but he has the potential to play the one or the two. His defense is far from a positive since he lacks the athleticism to stay in front of quicker guards, but he should hold up as a team defender. He can handle the ball and create his own shot, which are two needs for L.A.
Honorable mention: Nah'Shon Hyland
Nah'Shon Hyland is regarded as one of the best shooters in this draft since he made 37.1% of his 3-pointers on 7.8 attempts. The percentage on that volume certainly jumps out, but he still has to prove he can make the same type of shots in the NBA. He attempted many tough, contested jumpers and isn't a creator for others at this stage. He's worked out for the Lakers and would be a feasible pick if L.A. moves down.
Honorable mention: Cameron Thomas
Cameron Thomas of LSU has been linked to the Lakers in countless mock drafts, but his fit isn't as great. He's definitely a bonafide scorer, but that's his main skill. He doesn't look to pass often and isn't touted to hold up on defense unless he spends time developing in that department. He's a first-round talent and a real option at No. 22, but the Lakers should look for the names mentioned above at No. 22.
Honorable mention: Jason Preston
Jason Preston of Ohio is another player who worked out for the Lakers and is rising in the eyes of many. He's a 6'4" point guard who averaged 15 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.3 assists in his final season in college. He also shot 39 percent from deep on 4.1 attempts, but there are concerns if he can translate his skills and hold his own on defense. He's not an elite athlete, but if his IQ can stick, he should overcome those shortages and carve out a career as a high-level backup guard. He could be a second-round option for L.A.
Honorable mention: Sharife Cooper
There haven't been many connections reported about Sharife Cooper and the Lakers, but there's no denying Cooper's talent. Cooper could be a possibility at No. 22, but he might drop given his shooting concerns. Cooper's feel for the game as a passer is arguably the best in this draft, but his size (6'1") and shooting percentages (39.1/22.8/82.5 split) aren't ideal for L.A.'s shooting needs. Shooting is Cooper's biggest swing skill. He's not afraid to shoot, but he doesn't have a reliable spot on the floor. If that changes, he has a good chance of becoming the steal of the draft class.
Honorable mention: Neemias Queta
Neemias Queta of Utah State also interviewed with L.A. at the combine and came in for an individual workout, so he could be a second-round option. He's a shot-blocking machine at center, but it'll be interesting to see if L.A. goes for a project at center rather than signing a veteran for cheap in free agency instead. Queta would be a backup and would also benefit from G League minutes. He's not a floor-spacing big either, which isn't the best fit alongside Davis if Queta reaches that level.
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