The 2018 offseason is a big one for the Los Angeles Lakers and everyone knows it. Magic Johnson, Rob Pelinka, and company are clearly gearing up for a high-profile pursuit of LeBron James, Paul George and others, while also displaying the ability to move a number of intriguing pieces on their current roster.
As a result, there is a ton of uncertainty surrounding the Lakers right now and that also extends to the 2018 NBA Draft. Los Angeles does have two picks, at No. 25 and No. 47 overall, but the front office could certainly be looking to move away from one or both of the picks if they have reason to believe every dollar of their 2018 cap space will be highly useful.
With that said, this is a young roster that could use an infusion of talent at a few positions and the Lakers should be evaluating a number of talented soon-to-be rookies in this class. Here are a few that would make sense, assuming Los Angeles stays in the draft at their current draft slots.
- Devonte Graham – PG, Kansas – Graham would be a reach at No. 25 but, at No. 47, he would be a tremendous value. There isn’t a ton of upside in the versatile Kansas guard but he profiles as a potential backup point guard in the NBA and the Lakers need one.
- De’Anthony Melton – PG/SG, USC – After a weird season in which he was forced off the floor due to eligibility concerns, Melton’s stock is skyrocketing again. It’s easy to see why, as he possesses a tremendous defensive skill set with the ability to play on the ball offensively. Shooting is a question but the local product would be perfect for a team that needs another guard option.
- Chimezie Metu – C, USC – Melton’s teammate is a second-round pick but the Lakers have a need at center moving forward. We’ll touch on a couple of first round options but, in the event that Los Angeles goes with a perimeter player at No. 25, Metu would be fun in the second round.
- Elie Okobo – PG/SG, France – Okobo likely won’t be available at No. 47 but, in all honesty, he might be worthwhile at No. 25 overall. The 6’4 lead guard recently exploded for 44 points in a French playoff game and that performance, combined with his tools, could be make for an intriguing first round fit. In addition, the Lakers could be looking to stash their first round pick to save salary cap space and Okobo would be the best option should they choose to do so.
- Mitchell Robinson – C, High School – Robinson is the polar opposite of Porter, albeit at the same position. He is a raw, super-athletic big man without any experience beyond the high school ranks and, as a result, this would be risky. At No. 25, though, teams can afford to take a swing and Robinson has the ceiling to justify it.
