Lakers draft prospect profile: Jabari Walker
Just because the Los Angeles Lakers do not have a pick in the upcoming NBA draft doesn’t mean they’re not doing their due diligence on draft prospects.
The team is reportedly interested in acquiring a second-round pick, and many expect it to also try to sign at least one undrafted player as a free agent.
One player the Lakers recently brought in for a workout is Jabari Walker, a wing who is listed at just under 6-foot-7 and weighs a shade under 214 pounds.
He is the son of former Lakers big man Samaki Walker, and he played two seasons of college ball at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Here is a look at the younger Walker.
Strengths and weaknesses
Walker is an energetic player with a strong motor who crashes the boards, having averaged 9.4 rebounds a game this year. Although he’s not a primary scoring threat, the ball seems to find him due to his energy.
Perhaps his biggest value lies on the defensive end, where he has shown he is skilled at reading and reacting to various situations and getting stops.
His 3-point shooting percentage fell from 52.3% last season to 34.6% this season. Though opposing teams have been leaving him open, he may have potential as a spot-up outside shooter.
As a freshman, he appeared foul prone, but he showed improvement in that area this past season.
Walker lacks speed and athleticism, which may make him a tweener at the NBA level — too slow to be a true wing, but not big or strong enough to play the 4.
Many believe he will be taken in the second round of the NBA draft, which means the Lakers would have to make a trade to acquire his rights if they are enamored enough with him.
