What? You thought the Lakers would pick someone else with the 2nd overall pick? This was a no-brainer. We all saw this pick coming from a mile away. If you followed my last couple of quick recaps, I was providing a lot of reaction on Lonzo Ball's performance when UCLA was competing in the NCAA tournament. And I was sold that this kid was the real deal outside of his loud mouth dad, Lavar Ball. Lonzo's talent was as good as advertised when I saw more extensive highlights of him. Elite court vision, NBA range, despite a really awkward shooting motion, and really, an unselfish, pass-first guard. A lot of people say he's not athletic. I think he has underrated athleticism because he can be explosive when driving to the rim or running in transition. Lonzo Ball to the Lakers was the perfect match. He's a hometown kid. He'll certainly draw tickets. And he addresses the Lakers' need for a floor general at the Point Guard position. Who cares about how obnoxious his dad's mouth is? The kid has talent.
While I was watching the draft, I was inquiring that since the Lakers drafted Lonzo Ball, they need some shooters around him, like a stretch 4. Or they need to address the unknowns in the Small Forward position to back up Brandon Ingram. Kuzma was penciled in as a Small Forward, but I guess because of his size at 6'10, he's better suited as Power Forward. We now have a very interesting situation at the Power Forward position with Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr. and Luol Deng (if he's still on the team). The big strength that Kuzma has is that he can knock down the 3-ball unlike Randle and Nance and he's a very underrated passer for a big man. Randle provides the power and the speed. Nance provides the hustle and energy. Deng provides the defense and veteran saviness (again, if he's still on the team). Kuzma provides a potentially viable "Stretch 4" option for the Lakers.
Now, this is a good value pick from the Lakers through the Utah Jazz. They traded D'Angelo Russell to the Nets. Nick Young opts out for free agency. Outside of Jordan Clarkson, the Lakers don't have a lot at the "2" position. Josh Hart is a guy that can score, attack the basket, and he can play defense. The "defense" trait definitely stands out, considering the Lakers were terrible once again on defense. I may be pushing the envelope when I say this, but he's kinda like a poor man's Klay Thompson if you compare the collegiate stats. Though, I have to agree on most draft reports, he's more comparable to Danny Green given that both players are "three and D" type of players and they can attack the rim if they elect to.
Round 2, Pick 42 (from Trade with Utah Jazz): Thomas Bryant, C, Indiana
The Lakers sure love to draft big men in the 2nd round. Last year it was Ivica Zubac. This year, it's Thomas Bryant. The first thing that comes to my mind is "cool, a Center that can shoot threes." He's also a high energy player and a rim rocker. I'd say the Lakers might've found an upgrade from Tarik Black and Thomas Robinson. No question, he's going to have to earn a spot on the roster.
Conclusion
This is a great start for Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka. The common trait that all four prospects have here is that they are unselfish and all about the team. This is how you "plant the seeds" of growing a winning culture. In the Lakers' case, they're re-growing it given their prestigious history of winning. We'll see in July if the Lakers can get free agency right. Again, they need to focus on quality veterans and they should not hand them over big, fat contracts. I'll see you guys later for that.
Grade: A
The Lakers sure love to draft big men in the 2nd round. Last year it was Ivica Zubac. This year, it's Thomas Bryant. The first thing that comes to my mind is "cool, a Center that can shoot threes." He's also a high energy player and a rim rocker. I'd say the Lakers might've found an upgrade from Tarik Black and Thomas Robinson. No question, he's going to have to earn a spot on the roster.
Conclusion
This is a great start for Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka. The common trait that all four prospects have here is that they are unselfish and all about the team. This is how you "plant the seeds" of growing a winning culture. In the Lakers' case, they're re-growing it given their prestigious history of winning. We'll see in July if the Lakers can get free agency right. Again, they need to focus on quality veterans and they should not hand them over big, fat contracts. I'll see you guys later for that.
Grade: A
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