With just two picks in the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers have a chance to add to their young core. The Lakers have a lot of promising young talents, and just need a couple more pieces before molding into a legitimate team in the west. With the two picks they have in this upcoming draft, the Lakers need to draft towards their system and personnel.
2nd pick
All the talk is about Lonzo Ball. You may have seen his dad LaVar Ball on television, and while he may be a bit of a lunatic, his son isn't. Lonzo Ball can flat-out play basketball.
He showed vision in college that scouts mentioned they hadn't seen since Jason Kidd. Ball stands at 6'5" and brings a ton of athleticism and play-making ability to the table. Not only that, Lonzo can shoot the lights out of the gym. He's the perfect pick for the pace and space system that the Lakers play. If the Lakers take Lonzo, this will allow D'Angelo Russell to go back to his roots and play as a scoring shooting guard. Russell hasn't yet been able to be the consistent point guard, but letting him go score the ball is what he does best.
28th pick
The 28th pick offers a lot of variety for Los Angeles. They don't have any other picks after this, so they could try to take a project or just go for a consistent player.
According to most mock drafts, Caleb Swanigan isn't projected to be picked until the late 30's or early 40's. Swanigan could be a great pick for Los Angeles. The big man out of Purdue brings a big frame and a body that can set screens or pop out and hit a shot. Swanigan could play well being the only big on the floor as he can help his teammates on defense and provide space for the players on offense.
Other than Swanigan, another potential pick would be Jordan Bell out of Oregon. The 6'9" junior didn't put up huge numbers in college, but he was clutch for the Ducks in the tournament.
Lastly, Bam Adebayo will likely be available for the taking. Adebayo would be great in a system that put him in the dunker's spot most of the time.
Kentucky used him well and the Lakers could use him really well. With the penetration ability that the Lakers have, Adebayo could either catch lobs or set screens for a pick and roll. He's got a nice athletic frame on defense and brings the power on offense.
The Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of options with their 28th pick. With the second pick, it should be clear who to draft. Lonzo Ball could help change this organization for a long time. He brings in a lot of positive qualities to a team lacking a real point guard.
