It’s been a minute since the Lakers had, and kept, a first round pick. But at least right now, signs point to the team holding on to the 17th pick in this year’s NBA Draft, coming in a couple of weeks.
So with that in mind, it’s time to bring in the experts to help Lakers fans get ready.
We spoke with Rafael Barlowe, host of Locked On NBA Big Board, and the NBA Big Board newsletter to get some insight into this year’s class, and where the Lakers might find good value.
We started with an overview of the depth of the class. Everyone knows about Wembanyama and Henderson at the top of the lottery, but those guys don’t matter much to the Lakers. How much depth is there? Are quality rotation players going to be available at 17? What about the second round, where the Lakers have done really well in their talent evaluation?
From there, Barlowe broke down different names that could be had when it’s time for the Lakers to pick. Some that might have been connected earlier in the spring — Duke’s Dereck Lively, for example — have probably moved too high on the board for LA to get them. But he threw out some other names (Jett Howard, Kobe Bufkin, Nick Smith) that might make it to 17, and a few others (Bryce Sensabaugh, GG Jackson) that likely will be available, or even potentially could be excellent targets if the Lakers wanted to trade down.
He also dished a little on Max Christie, looking at where he was last season at the Draft, and some of the feedback he got from execs who watched him work out. Could the Lakers look at Christie as a blueprint on how to handle this year’s selections? (Namely, looking for a player that, if he stayed another year in school, would likely have moved far to high for the Lakers to select.)
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky, with guest Rafael Barlowe
SEGMENT 1: What does this Draft class look like, depth wise? What kind of players are likely going to be available at 17?
SEGMENT 2: Who are some of the key names to watch?
SEGMENT 3: Could Max Christie be a blueprint for how the Lakers approach this season’s selections?
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13 Comments
A great center so AD can go back to his natural position power forward.
A trade would be a good 17th pick , lets focus one more year on winning now with Lebron
Jordan Hawkins if available all day.
People are sleeping on Ricky Council IV sg out of Arkansas 6’6 212
it be interesting to see who they pick but it is somewhat of a mystery to me
vogel went to suns to give cp3 to lebron and la
Hardcore Laker fans want to trade the pick ? 😢
It takes Centers & Point Guards longer to Develop in the NBA, We have enough 6'4-6'6 Wings in AR/Christie/Brown and hopefully, Hield so, I would suggest taking a 6'7-6'9 Wing @ #17 that can play During/Post LBJ Era – Jett Howard/Kris Murray/Maxwell Lewis.
The #47 Pic most likely wont play During the LBJ Era so, I like taking The "Best Available" or there are a lot if Big Men/Centers available that We can Develop.
Side Note – With a lot of Hard Work in the Off-Season, I think Bamba can Develop into that Complimentary Center that We Need to occasionally play alongside AD or relive AD in the 2nd Unit.
trading the pick is the wrong move IMO. we won' t get a really good player that fits into our cap situation for pick 17. it is more important to get the young talent and develop them. Team building is about to change so you won't just be able to trade your way into contention
Trade the pick for a guard who can contain Jamal Murray like Alex Caruso. Next season will be the best chance to win it all with LeBron
Ideally, we land Hawkins or Wallace. If we do trade back, I'd look at a Leonard Miller, GG Jackson, or Brice Sensabaugh.
Kobe Bufkin looks like Jordan Poole
Peace – I like Jordan Hawkins personally if available.