Most of the Lakers offseason work will come in free agency. But they have a rare chance to add an impact rookie with the No. 17 pick in the NBA Draft.
The Lakers' biggest priorities this offseason are re-signing (or replacing) Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and D'Angelo Russell and then figuring out what other sorts of upgrades they can make around the margins with trades or through free agency.
But the No. 17 pick in the first round also gives them a chance to add a rookie who can perhaps contribute as soon as next season and begin building a base of talent for the eventual departure of LeBron James and Anthony Davis down the road. Balancing NBA-readiness with long-term potential is always a challenge but there are a few players who have the right blend for the Lakers.
Perfect NBA Draft picks for the Los Angeles Lakers: 3. Jordan Hawkins
Hawkins' draft stock rose dramatically during UConn's March Madness run but even before the tournament he had established himself as a clear first-round prospect with his dynamite outside shooting. He made 38.8 percent of more than seven 3-point attempts per game, but even that number doesn't quite capture his upside. Hawkins has deep range and is extremely comfortable shooting movement, making him a dangerous off-ball threat both spotting up and running through a maze of screens. For a team that often struggled to space the floor and leverage off-ball movement last season, Hawkins' efficiency and gravity could help the Lakers right away.
The catch with Hawkins is that he doesn't offer much else besides shooting in the short-term or, probably, the long term. He's not a great defender and his light, wiry frame often puts him at a disadvantage. He's not a great finisher at the rim and doesn't really have the shake, vision or handle to create for himself or others out of the pick-and-roll. He might be the most sure thing the Lakers find available at No. 17 but he doesn't have the same upside as some other prospects who could be available.
Perfect NBA Draft picks for the Los Angeles Lakers: 2. Nick Smith Jr.
Early in the season, Smith Jr. looked like he'd be selected near the top of the lottery but injuries and efficiency tanked his draft stock over the course of the season. The slithery, 6-foot-5 wing has a refined handle and shifty dribble-drive game that could make him a primary creator and three-level scorer at the next level. He can make difficult shots, the problem is that he took a bit too many of them.
Smith Jr. made just 33.8 percent of his 3s as a freshman and that number will have to improve a lot if he's really going to be a primary (or even secondary) offensive creator. Improved shot selection will help some but he's also going to need to get more consistent with his mechanics and stronger so that his efficiency inside the arc isn't so reliant on creativity and touch.
Landing in the lottery is still a good possibility for Smith Jr. but sliding to the Lakers is absolutely in play. He may need a bit more seasoning and experience to carve out a role on the veteran Lakers but he could has as much upside as anyone available and could really add some creation upside to their second unit by the time the playoffs roll around.
Perfect NBA Draft picks for the Los Angeles Lakers: 1. Dariq Whitehead
Whitehead was one of the highest-ranked recruits in his class but struggled to stand out at Duke. A broken foot just before the season started robbed him of a great deal of his previously explosive athleticism and his pre-draft process was interrupted by a second foot surgery. However, this is an incredible opportunity for the Lakers to buy low.
Even if he never quite recovers the athleticism he showed in high school he's a committed and rugged wing defender with good size (6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan) who made better than 40 percent of his 3s as a freshman. His floor seems to be the kind of 3-and-D wing the Lakers could really use and his potential as a shot-maker and individual creator are all upside which could pay dividends for L.A. in a few years as the roster turns over.
Whitehead is almost certainly going to be available when the Lakers are on the clock and his skills and circumstances could make him a perfect blend of short- and long-term value for the Lakers.
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