With an officially unofficial trade of D’Angelo Russell hanging in the wind, the Lakers entered Thursday’s NBA draft with three draft picks — their own at #2, the Nets (via Boston) at #27, and the Rockets’ at #28. By the end of the night, they’d end up with four picks, swapping #28 for the Jazz’s selections at #30 and #42. (They’d also finalize the Russell deal, which, for the life of me I still don’t understand the delay in announcement. Oh well.)
With those four picks the Lakers made some smart selections, focusing on players who not only possess good character and work ethic, but who project to be able to fill specific roster needs via emerging (or already established) skills. A brief recap:
- At #2, the team took Lonzo Ball, a prospect I think defies the noise that surrounds him and his game.
- At #27, the team took Kyle Kuzma, a rangy forward with a nice floor game who has some defensive potential.
- At #30, the team took Josh Hart, a do it all shooting guard who offers a great mix of intangibles and college production over his 4 year career in the NCAA’s.
- At #42, the team took Thomas Bryant, a big man who offers an intriguing combination of physical tools/power and stretch-y ability offensively that is worth gambling on.
First off, coming off last season one of my chief questions about this team was the amount of youth on the team and whether they’d even be able to keep both of the two draft picks they were scheduled to make. Now, it turns out, they made four selections! Here is a list of all the players the Lakers currently have on their team who are 25 or younger and/or have 3 years or fewer of NBA experience, including the picks from Thursday:
- Julius Randle
- Jordan Clarkson
- Tarik Black
- Larry Nance, Jr.
- Brandon Ingram
- Ivica Zubac
- David Nwaba
- Lonzo Ball
- Kyle Kuzma
- Josh Hart
- Thomas Bryant
That’s 11 players! And while Black/Clarkson/Nance are all on the older end of that range with Black/Clarkson/Randle all about to enter their 4th season next year, the fact remains this is a young team. I just don’t see how the Lakers enter next season with all of these guys on the roster, especially when you consider the current imbalance between PF’s and C’s vs. guards/wings and Rob Pelinka openly stating the team will look to add more players in free agency. So, we will have to wait and see how this plays out.
Zooming back into the players drafted, though, tells us a few things about what skills they valued. When thinking back to the idea of a venn diagram of team needs, the four players selected all sort of fit in there somewhere in either actualized or projected skills based on their college games. Let’s try to categorize the drafted players (for reference, here’s how I classified the players on the roster a month ago):
- Shooting/Passing/Defense: Josh Hart
- Shooting/Passing: Lonzo Ball
- Shooting/Defense: none
- Passing/Defense: none
- Shooting (only): none
- Passing (only): Kyle Kuzma
- Defense (only): none
- Not listed: Thomas Bryant
First off, don’t get upset about Bryant being in the “not listed” category. In theory, he could be in the shooting section or even the shooting/defense section. But there’s a reason he went where he did in the draft considering his physical tools and, though in limited attempts, seems to have a viable shooting stroke. Fact is, he’s not there yet in any one area and isn’t necessarily a great enough athlete or possess enough natural feel for the game to compensate. The hope, of course, is that he gets there one day. I think he’s worth the gamble, but that’s a discussion for another day.
Getting back to the players taken, it’s clear to me that the Lakers prioritized shooting and defense. Ball and Hart both shot over 40% from three on over 5 attempts a game. This is exactly what you want from modern NBA guards/wings coming into the league. As bigs, Kuzma and Bryant may not appear in the shooting section above, but Kuzma has emerging skill in that area (32.1% on 3 attempts per game, over 40% over his final 10 games of the year – per DraftExpress) while Bryant’s smaller sample will need to show it can transfer (38.3% on only 2 attempts a game). Considering the shooting talent the Lakers have lost heading into the draft, these guys being able to hit NBA 3’s will be a big determinant of how successful this draft ultimately is.
The prioritization of defesne wasn’t as high as shooting, but it’s clearly still there. Hart was his conference’s defensive player of the year. Kuzma has a reputation as a capable defender, but who’s effort and attentiveness could wane. Still, though, the hope is that a more engaged player equals better results. With Bryant, he can be a bit stiff in moving laterally, but his sheer length can make him a presence in the paint. And, with Ball, I think his defensive abilities have been sold short. No, he’s not a stopper at the point of attack against quick guards, but he’s more athletic than given credit for, is effective against bigger guards/wings, and shows great instincts off the ball as a help/team defender.
The flip side of this, of course, is regardless of what the Lakers prioritized or what they think these guys can contribute now or become in the future, it doesn’t mean those things are true or will happen. Drafting well is hard. Being right on every guy is impossible. The four guys the Lakers drafted have weaknesses. Three of them were taken at a part of the draft where, in reality, if the guy simply sticks in the league for a period beyond his 1st contract you did well for yourself. The expectations will be different for Ball as a #2 pick, but take a look at some of the doozies taken in that slot over the years.
Even if the Russell trade still looms large and negatively impacts my general feel for this roster right now, I must say I have a general excitement about the draft — especially Lonzo. I’m not huge on the term “culture changer” and think that can be oversold at times, but Ball is the type of guy who can help usher in a new identity for a team. I do believe his style of play is infectious and that his want to keep the the ball moving and everyone involved helps galvanize a roster and impacts other parts of the games besides just offense. Playing that style makes the whole game fun.
When you add the other picks to Ball, I see a nice combination of upside plays (Bryant, Kuzma to a lesser extent) and stability/known quantity (Hart) that can really help in the short and, hopefully, long term. A lot needs to go right for that to be the case, but that was always going to be true. With the draft, few things can ever be assumed. Unless these kids put the work in while the organization surrounds them with the resources and puts them in the best positions to be successful, it can all go downhill and quickly. The Lakers, from the top down, seem to understand this well. We’ll see how it all works out, but I’m one who think it can.
81 Witness says
@Darius
Trade delay finalizing was for flexibility to move Brook Lopez in case of a major trade on or after the draft. I believe the CBA only gives 72 hours to move recent signees and then there is a 3 or 4 month moratorium that does not allow that player to be traded.
Tar Baby says
Possible 3-team deal?
Lakers get George and Wesley Matthews
Indy gets Lopez, Clarkson, and 2018 #1 (DAL), 2018 #2 (LA)
Dallas gets Randle, Monta Ellis and 2019 #2 (LA)
Lakers get George and absorb a contract
Indy gets cap space, picks, player
Dallas gets Nowitzki’s replacement, cap relief, pick
Showtime Revival says
Although I always appreciate your critical analysis of the Lakers, I’m generally concerned you seem to be too pessimistic with your daily rants. Tangibles sometimes can be overrated when you have new management at the ground level trying to establish a standard & expectation. You can’t measure grit, heart, toughness & winners & I for one appreciate the direction the Lakers are going short & long term. They’ve clearly done their homework & fit is paramount thus why the trade & draft picks last night. Dr. Buss was the best at diagnosing & prescribing what had to occur to be successful. Something tells me his relationship with his daughter & Magic is still operating behind the curtain so let’s have confidence & faith I believe they have a cure that will be a Laker Renaissance for generations to come.
Tar Baby says
PJ Dozier?
Not a draft pick but should probably be included in this analysis.
Mid-Wilshire says
There’s also a chance that the Lakers may re-sign Tyler Ennis (currently a FA). He will be 23 on August 24 and in 22 games with the Lakers last season he actually did decent work:
7.7 ppg
45.1% shooting overall
38.9% from 3-point range
1.2 rebounds per game
2.4 assists per game
.9 steals per game
17:49 minutes per game
It’s true that much of this was in the equivalent of a season-ending garbage time. But still, he has probably earned the right to be considered for a roster slot. Also, he’s a true point guard. The only other true PG on the team is Lonzo Ball. So, that’s probably a gap that must be filled…somehow.
Vasheed says
Ennis is probably one of the better options out there who won’t break the bank at a time when Magic is looking to preserve cap space.
LAkersfan1 says
I thought the Lakers had a pretty good draft considering the attributes to the team’s new culture and identity were looking for in these guys. Character, heart, mental makeup is very important to team building. I’d take those things over athletic but lazy any day of the week. I’m kinda surprise that the FO passed over someone that can develop into a very solid big man in Anigbogu. He had the athletic ability and the tenacity on defense but he had some knee issues at UCLA.
I watched a lot of the March Madness games this year and followed South Carolina’s run to the Final Four. I’m a little surprised that Dozier got passed by all the teams but I can see why. Although he passes the skills/ ability test, his motor isn’t always on like his teammate Sindarius Thornwell (Clippers bought his rights). I guess we’ll see how he does in Vegas and training camp.
Summer League should be really fun to watch especially against the Sixers and the Sacramento Queens (who I thought had a really good draft class as well).
Let’s hope the FO can somehow make salary cap Magic by getting rid of Deng’s contract and being able to somehow get PG13 before the Summer League starts.
My only want is for Lavar Ball to not affect the team by his words and not get Lonzo into reality tv and other similar distractions, something I wished D Lo would have been more careful with when he was here.
LT Mitchell says
Loving the Josh Hart pick. He reminds me of a skilled version of Raja Bell. He’s going to have a long career. I hope he’s not included in any trade for George. I would rather keep him over both Clarkson and Julius.
A Horse With No Name says
PJ Dozier is a great non-drafted signee. The lakers worked him out prior to the draft. He is a true point guard with combo skills. Exceptional length and defensive acumen as he was a key factor for South Carolina in their NCAA run. He can run the point and guard 1-3. I expect him to make the roster, likely at the expense of Nwaba, who doesn’t have the passing skills but shares the lack of a reliable outside shot. Going to be some great camp battles. I love that.
Hart is this year’s Malcom Brogdan: a mature, highly intelligent young man who has the skill and will to make it despite lacking great length and athleticism (a solid athlete though). Reminds me of Wes Matthews because of his toughness and winner mentality; but he can be better than Wes because of his passing and handle. Upped his 3 pt. shot to 40% his senior year. Really a perfect get at 30 to help the young guards.
Kuzma is a BPA pick for the team’s needing (shooting) and defense. The lakers probably hoped Tyler Lydon would be there, but he went higher than most observers expected. Kuzma has a two way motor and has a chance to impact the roster.
I really like Bryant. He’s a man child; all of 19 years of age but already huge and strong. Seems with it and is the kind of big man prospect you draft not only for what he does now (rim run, finish and defend with his length), but also what he could become: a true stretch five with rim protection capabilities. I expect Zubac and Bryant will battle down the line for minutes at the 5. The lakers can now get more cap room by not guaranteeing Black’s contract for this season.
The Front Office: Really fantastic job on ending up with four legitimate prospects (ok, Lonzo is a lot more than a legit prospect!). Loved the trade down for Hart and Bryant. Unbelievable that the loquacious Magic Man kept his jaw locked and presumably under Pelinka’s steerage, managed to send out all kinds of cross signals to ensure that kept teams away from Ball (you gotta credit LeVar here too). They also did the right thing by not offering Ingram and/or #2 pick for George. If he comes, awesome. But if not, keep the cap space and focus on talent acquisition and player development. Don’t get panicky–that’s what killed Jim and Mitch–and what the lakers are still trying to recover from.
LakerJ88 says
Tyler Lydon probably would have been a huge defensive liability. He can’t create his own shot although a pretty good shooter. But, since he came from Syracuse, his defense in college was in the 2-3 zone of Boeheim and many scouts weren’t projecting him to be able to play even average man to man defense. So a worse shooting Kyle Korver type.
JeffT says
By picking up Dozier post-draft, that gives them 5 rookies, one at each position. Also pushes the roster up to 18. With Hart and Dozier filling the lane for Ball, this rookie team would be fun to watch on the break.
FredP says
One common thread among these players is that they fit well on a team that wants to run an up tempo offense. They can all attack the basket or flare out for 3’s. While the actual range might not be there yet, there is no reason to think it will not be there in one or two years. Golden State was at its most vulnerable when attacked in transition. Bryant has issues passing but the rest are good initiators and receivers and will be a load on fast breaks. I see why Magic only defended Ingram when he talked about untouchable Lakers. Russell, Nance, Randle and the rest do not quite fit that model. Nance and Randle can go a long way to becoming more important by taking and sinking 3’s. Russell will be a star in NJ but it also may be the case that he needed a move like that to become a star.
LakerJ88 says
Julius Randle being in far better shape should also help improve his defense, ability to get to the basket, fast break, etc. I know he’s also working on his jump shot and 3 point shooting daily but who knows if it will click during games…
LakerJ88 says
Kevin Pelton of ESPN Insider says the Lakers had the best draft in his opinion of anyone other than Minnesota trading for Jimmy Butler
drrayeye says
Darius,
I appreciate your desire to go into analytics on our draft picks–and you’ve made some good points. I’m just thrilled that we have so many. Magic and Pelinka came aboard with no assurance that the Lakers would have any draft opportunities, and we just come away with three first rounders, one second, and one after draft selection. It didn’t happen by accident–or without purpose.
Just a reminder of how we got here:
almost immediately, on arrival, they traded with Houston for their first, and strategized to end up as one of the worst three in the NBA by playing the young guys and sitting the veterans. Though they didn’t execute that strategy perfectly, they managed to eek out our first round #2 with a little Magic luck. Before the draft started, they managed to obtain another from the Nets–which they used, in turn, to get a first and a second by trading down a few slots. Then they signed P. J. Dozier. It was a lot like taking rabbits from a hat.
We’ve got 5 candidates. How many slots? We’ve lost MWP. We’ve traded Mozgov and Russell, but got Lopez back. Swaggy P is officially gone (but maybe lurking). That’s three.
Unless something changes, two won’t make it.
The one guaranteed to make it is Lonzo–replacing Russell.
If Randle and Clarkston are traded, that might open up slots for Kuzma and Hart.
If the Lakers decline Tarik Black, that might open a slot for Bryant. If the Lakers decline Thomas Robinson, that might open up a slot for T. J. Dosier.
We’re already in way better shape going into 2017 than we were going into 2016–and free agency begins in a week.
LakerJ88 says
Lakers really focused on prospects who are in excellent shape, can pass and can be at least league average or possibly above league average on defense. If Kyle Kuzma’s 3 point shot becomes more consistent he could be an excellent 3 and D player. Rob Pelinka mentioned how Kuzma could possibly guard the 3,4, and maybe even the 2 position. The defense has a chance to make a solid improvement.
Tim Daniels says
I like Hart, and even Kuzma, being upperclassmen for two reason.
One they will be more physically and and mentally mature and ready to contribute than more 19 year olds.
Two, there are always undervalued assets in any market, and right now experienced college players are undervalued. Hence Butler, Brogdan going so low. Hart was a good player when he was younger as well. This isn’t some senior year illusion. He is a good ball player with a good chance of success who the Lakers won’t have to pay for an apprenticeship. He will be a ball player upon arrival.
Smart of the Lakers to look beyond 19 year olds for undervalued guys and to keep from having a bundle of useless 19 year olds again. They can’t really play in the NBA.
Ed says
In the near future I want to see who the team adds to it`s coaching and development staff,and which players stand out in SL. This will give us a better idea of what to expect this season The League and potential FA`s have to get that new regime knows what it`s doing in all facets of the game and is set up to compete at the highest levels in the future. Besides just talk,it has to demonstrated on the court in the FO. I like all the draftees,but let`s see if the Laker staff can develop them to their highest potential.
KevTheBold says
Though I’m not up on the Kuzma and Bryant, I agree that Hart is a steal.
The addition of Hart probably makes Clarkson more likely to be traded, as I see him as already more gifted than JC.
Finally having Lonzo on the roster? Huge relief !
I do wonder however, if the front office was serious about trading Lonzo, for the 5th and 10 slots to the Kings, or if it were simply part of that game of pre-draft poker?
In any regard, I am more than happy that the trade never went down, as I don’t see anyone after Ball, who would have made an impact not only immediately, but down the road, as potently, as Lonzo has the potential to do.
And not only for our team play, but to entice free agents who understand the vast value, of a share first wizard pg.
LordMo says
@Darius – Now you truly have your young team!
I hated to see your boy D’Lo go but I have always said no one player is ever going to be bigger than the Lakers. I did want to see the Ball-D’Lo backcourt as I thought they could be reeking havoc on the league in about 4 to 5 years but the Lakers clearly want to try to make a title run about year 3 to 4. Also, I do not think D’Lo or his people were going to be accepting of the roll and certainly did not like the fact that Lonzo was coming. Too bad because it would’ve made D’Lo sooo dangerous as a scorer. I’m sure he will find his way and maybe be happier away from LA.
The Draft – Grade A – Who knew right? I tell you who… Magic and Pelinka that’s who! That was brilliant stuff and let the league know that the Lakers are not clueless in the FO anymore … watchout!
Ball – Lonzo…enuf said! Remember when Ol’ LordMo was saying we need him and you guys were blasting me for it? I forgive you :). Get ready for some triple doubles… this kid is the best rebounding Guard in the draft also. Remember the last time we had a tall PG who could rebound like a F and initiate the break instantly… I do ! 🙂
Kuzma is a player! Think about it to move up the draft boards like he did in this loaded draft should tell you something. During evaluations the kid shot up like from mid second round to late first jumped up like 15 spots. The kid can play and can really score is a variety of ways he is athletic also so the Lakers got a guy who would prolly gone @ #15 to 20 in any other draft year.
When it is all said and done … this kid could be the starting PF or seeing major minutes if the Lakers sign a FA there… I think Kuzma is that good!
Hart – if your bringing in a 19 yr old PG and you need him to have a guy to have his back on and off the court this is your guy! You bump Lonzo you prolly going to get shoved by Hart! You need that big brother and the guy to be Lonzo’s Fisher. Hart has done things right and even though no one stays in college 4 yrs this guy would be the type of guy you want. He has had solid production for 4 years and has been good all 4 years. Good steady kid who has been in some big games and came up clutch. This kid can play too!
Bryant – If he can contribute nice…. he is raw but a Man-Child might still be growing and that is kind of scary! I might have taken Isiah Hartenstein here but injuries concerns might have been on the Lakers mind.
Still great draft by the Lakers and a shift upwards! We had to give to get but the culture change was needed. Also, a message was sent to the young players and they have a chance. I really hope Randle, Clarkson and Nance seize the opportunity. Zubac and Nance I think are safe … Zubac’s youth and promise is intriguing. Nance just flat out hustles man and does a bunch of little things you need to win. Has some chemistry with Zubac on and off the court and the Lakers prolly want to keep that intact. Clarkson with the contract and the arrival of Hart … well that might be an issue. With Randle’s looming deal he has to show that he can become the beast he has shown at times on a night in night out basis. If he doesn’t I don’t look for him to make it past the trade deadline… But he has a chance… come on Julius! Contrary to what others believe Ol’ LordMo wants you to succeed as a Laker! This is your year serve notice!
WWL says
http://www.lakersnation.com/inside-look-at-the-story-behind-lakers-julius-randles-body-transformation/2017/06/20/
^ Whenever I think about who is included in our future, I think about this article. I still cheer for D’Lo but the more I think about it, he couldn’t possibly meet the physical (defensive) requirement needed to be in this team.
Same goes for the new draftees, the FO did a great job finding “fit” guys with range. Everyone can shoot.
So for Randle and Nance, one of them better be money from midrange to survive the cuts.
Joseph says
Something forgotten, teams have effectively a 17 man roster this year. They have their usual 15 and 2 2-2 way contracts. Bryant will probably fall under one of the 2 way with PJ Dozier being the other 2 way. But even when you look at the imbalance, the Lakers still have plenty of spots remaining to shore up the guard position. In fact when you look at the team:
PG: Lonzo
SG: Clarkson, Hart, Nwaba
SF: Ingram, Brewer
PF: Randle, Nance, Deng, Kuzma
C: Lopez, Zubac, Bryant
Their main depth issue is at PG. Deng will probably be kept at the SF position because well, he’s making 18M a year and that’s just where Walton will put him. Ingram will likely see PG time along with SF time. With 13 there listed, Bryant will likely be put on a 2 way deal I’m sure, there are still technically 3 spots you can have for your traditional 15 man roster with 1 more for your 17 man roster with the other 2 way deal (I’m guessing PJ Dozier). In those 3 you can bring along a scoring wing as well as a couple of point guards.