Tag: #nbadraft

Lakers Workouts: Prospect Power Rankings 3.0

With The NBA draft taking place this week, the Lakers workouts have continued with the third round of potential prospects. With news of teams willing to offer the team a chance to obtain their second-round pick, here are rankings based on fit.

6) Phlandrous Fleming Jr – Florida, Guard

Fleming Jr., is a 6’4 210-pound guard, who transferred from Charleston Southern before finishing his career at Florida. He averaged 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals a game during his time as a Gator. Fleming Jr. had a number of accomplishments throughout his college career, including being named Big South Defensive Player of the Year twice and being named to the All-Big South Team twice.

He’s a terrific defender as well as scorer and could fit the Lakers’ need for defensive players who can shoot.

5) Darius Days- LSU, Forward

Days, the former Tiger, averaged 13 points, 7 rebounds, and one steal per game during his final season. In 2021, he was also named to the Preseason All-SEC Team. What distinguishes him is his versatility in playing either ball or on ball. On ball, he excels at knocking down shots, scoring in the post, and is ideal for pick and roll scenarios.

He can also spread the floor, creating opportunities for others, and he battles for rebounds. At 6’7 and 245 pounds, he really plays above his frame.

4) Fabian White Jr- Houston, Forward

Last season, White averaged 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. During his five years at Houston, he also received a variety of honors, including being named to the All-AAC Team for the 2021 season and being awarded The AAC Tournament MVP.

He is recognized for his scoring variety and stands 6’8 and weighs 225 pounds. He can score from everywhere on the court and generates instant offense the moment he walks on the court due to his excellent shot IQ.

3) Michael Steadman- UMass, Power Forward

Steadman averaged 7 points and three rebounds for Massachusetts last season. He stands a towering 6’10 and weighs 215 pounds. While his stat line may not immediately capture your eye, it is his presence on the defensive side that makes people attacking the paint second-guess their decisions. He excels at pick and roll and stretching the floor. With the Lakers’ track record of developing small-school or lesser-known players, he might be one of the draft’s many steals.

2) Terrell Brown Jr -Washington, Guard

Brown Jr. stands 6’3 and weighs 185 pounds. Last season, he averaged 21 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. He was also chosen to the All Pac-12 First Team as the lone representative from his institution in 2021. Aside from his scoring and playmaking, what stands out most about him is his great defense, with him being a pest on whoever he’s defending, nothing simple comes his way.

With the Lakers in need of depth at point guard and pesky defenders, if he’s available, the Lakers should call him. One thing is certain, he’s a do-it-all sort of player and is the ideal player in today’s NBA.

1)Jabari Walker- Colorado, Forward

Jabari Walker is the son of former Laker Samaki Walker. He is 6’8 and weighs 200 pounds. He averaged 14 points and 9 rebounds last season while playing at Colorado. In his sophomore season, he was awarded to the All Pac-12 First Team, and in 2020, he was named to the All Pac-12 Freshmen Team.

Looking at his game, he can score in bunches in any situation, whether it’s being fed the ball for a mid-range shot or displaying his range for a three. Walker isn’t afraid of a little contact, and he’ll muscle his way to the rim.

This potential draft pick would be well mentored by Anthony Davis because they have similar body types and play styles. With the Lakers hiring a whole new staff, he’s one that might bloom into a component of the team’s future, not to mention being a local talent from Inglewood, it’ll be the perfect homecoming.

Lakers Workouts: Prospect Power Rankings 2.0

The Los Angeles Lakers workouts have continued this week. They have been busy bringing in various prospects for pre-draft workouts in order to gain a sense of who to target in the late second round or as an undrafted free agent. The Purple and Gold have brought in a mixture of mid-major and power conference level players. They’ve recently started bringing in additional players to get a better look at their next potential prospect. Here are their rankings.

6) Haowen Gou Small Forward-Shanghai Sharks

Gou is a 6’7 200 pound prospect who most recently played in the Chinese Basketball Association. He averaged 14 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in his last season before declaring for the draft. Gou possesses excellent ball control and can generate his own shot without the assistance of his teammates. He would more than likely earn a spot on the Lakers summer league team or be a draft and stash type of player.

5) Michael Devoe- Georgia Tech ,Shooting Guard

The Purple and Gold take another look at a Georgia Tech prospect, this time shooting guard Michael Devoe. He is 6 foot 5 and weighs 197 pounds. He averaged 18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and nearly 2 steals per game last season. While being named the ACC Tournament MVP, he was also named to both the regular and postseason ACC teams. Devoe is a legitimate two-way player who can be a nuisance on defense and score in bunches when needed. He should be high on the Lakers’ priority list of players to seek in the draft or free agent pool.

4) Jermaine Samuels-Villanova, Small Forward

One of Villanova head coach Jay Wright’s talented championship roster players has landed a workout with the Lakers. Jermaine Samuels, who stands at 6-7 and weighs 230 pounds, averaged 11 points and six rebounds last season. Don’t be deceived by his stats; he has a significant effect on the court by either using his muscular physique to force his way to the ball or by using his high energy for put-backs on rebounds.

If he earns the chance to develop under coach Jay Wright, he has the potential to be one of the next Villanova players who have made the league. He would follow in the footsteps of Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, and Josh Hart.

3) Remy Martin-Point Guard-Kansas

Martin is an Arizona State transfer who last season played for Kansas. There, he also won the National Championship in a thrilling battle with North Carolina. He is 6’0 and weighs 183 pounds. He was a rotational player at Kansas, averaging 8 points, three rebounds, and two assists per game. It may be said that he was at his finest at Arizona State. But. it was at Kansas that he was a major ingredient in his team’s championship run; despite being shorter than most. He doesn’t let that bother him because he has no difficulty scoring and isn’t afraid of a larger defender.

2) Kenny Lofton Jr.-Power Forward/Center- Louisiana Tech

Kenny Lofton Jr was one of the best players in Conference USA and was one of the draft’s many overlooked prospects. He is 6-foot-7 and weighs 275 pounds. Last season, he averaged 16 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. During the season, he was named to the All-Conference USA Team twice and Conference USA All-Freshmen. He was also a member of the 2020 All-Conference USA Tourney Team and 2020 Conference USA Rookie Of The Year. The Louisiana Tech Bulldog terrorized his opponents with his towering body, frequently employing the bully ball style of play to earn his buckets.

Lofton Jr. is also incredibly quick for his size and an underrated passer. Not to mention he is a monster on defense; if the Lakers can get him, you have a power forward for the future.

1)Johnny Juzang- Point Guard UCLA

Another Bruin could be on his way to the Los Angeles Lakers roster if he’s able to impress them. Johnny Juzang, an all around great talent that basketball fans will remember for his numerous clutch moments in the NCAA tournament. The former Bruin stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. Last season, he averaged 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. He set the entire PAC-12 on fire as he was a force on offense getting buckets after buckets.

His team lost to North Carolina in the semi-finals in 2021, but he still performed admirably. He might be the next Bruin alumni to don the Purple and Gold if he performs well and makes an impact on Lakers scouts.

*Honorable Mention*—Shareef O’Neal, LSU Power Forward

It was recently announced that the Lakers will conduct a draft workout with Shareef O’Neal, the son of former LSU Tiger and Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal. Despite limited playing time due to injuries, he averaged three points and two rebounds per game. He had heart surgery less than two years ago, so it’s possible he’s still adjusting to the game, but make no mistake, the skill is there. At 6’10 and weighing 225pounds, O’Neal inherited his father’s physique.

Many people forget that he was ranked 41st in his 2018 basketball class, he was a phenomenal scorer and defender, and that it’s all about proving the skeptics wrong. It would be quite special to witness the next generation of the O’Neal family wear a Laker’s jersey, as his father did.

2022 NBA Draft: Fits for Top 3 Teams

Photo Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

As the NBA draft lottery came to a close, the Orlando Magic struck gold and were awarded the first overall selection in the 2022 draft. The Oklahoma City Thunder pick second and the Houston Rockets pick third. Having first-round draft picks for rebuilding teams is a dream come true, as these prospects may be the help your franchise has needed. Today, we take a look at the best fits for the top three teams in the 2022 NBA draft.

Orlando Magic-Chet Holmgren

When you look at the Orlando Magic’s roster, you’ll notice that they’ve filled many of the gaps where they need the greatest support. Last year, they upgraded their guard and forward positions by picking Gonzaga shooting guard, Jalen Suggs, and Michigan small forward, Franz Wagner.

The year before, they drafted North Carolina point guard Cole Anthony. The biggest thing they are lacking is a rim protector to pair with Wendell Carter Jr. That is where Gonzaga center, Chet Holmgren. The former Bulldog averaged nearly four blocks per game and can also hit a jumper when necessary.

Prepare for excitement at the Amway Center when you reunite him with his former AAU teammate Suggs. Orlando has a great history when it comes to drafting big men number one overall, and Holmgren could be the next player on that list.

Oklahoma City Thunder- Paolo Banchero

If you look at the Thunder roster; it’s overflowing with young, hungry talent, such as Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Josh Giddey. The two form a young, skilled backcourt combo for Oklahoma City. Because they want a fast-space offensive style, Paolo Banchero, who is speedy, should be a player to watch at second overall. When combined with their young core, the former Blue Devil will generate highlight reel-level offense.

He would quickly fit in with the youthful nucleus, forming a starting five capable of developing into one of the top teams in the league. Banchero could demonstrate his full versatility on a team like the Thunder.

Houston Rockets- Jabari Smith

When it comes to acquiring talent, the Houston Rockets have hit gold. They acquired the uber-talented Kevin Porter Jr. through trade, drafted shooting guard Jalen Green, and signed Christian Wood two years ago. While their team is nearly complete, they are missing one piece to complete the full rebuild.

The primary concern with their roster is the power forward position. Auburn’s Jabari Smith is the solution to those issues, bringing size, scoring, and rebounding skills.

Combining him with Woods will open up the offense and offer a variety of opportunities. Not only can he stretch the floor, but he can also drive to the hoop for a layup or a posterizing dunk. Fans will be jumping out of their seats in the Toyota Center if he is picked in June.