2017 NBA Draft: 3 dream targets for Los Angeles Lakers at No. 28
Los Angeles Lakers
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
In a world where anything is possible, the Los Angeles Lakers would have their pick of these three players at No. 28 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.
We all know the Los Angeles Lakers own the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. However, lots of casual fans seem to be overlooking the fact that the team also happens to own the No. 28 pick, courtesy of the Houston Rockets.
I've already looked at a few players they could target with the pick. Now it's time to take a look at a few unlikely options for the Lakers at the end of the first round. As you can tell by the headline, I'd even go as far as calling these players "dream targets" for Los Angeles and their No. 28 overall selection.
Now, let me set the table for this. Right now, we're taking a trip to an alternate reality where the Lakers can will almost any player to fall to them with their second first round pick. While I'm not going to go as far as saying that someone like Markelle Fultz falls that far (or even to No. 2), there are some guys on this list who won't come anywhere near No. 28.
At this point in the offseason, though, it's all about speculation and imagination. So I'm tapping into that by imaging how a few unrealistic options could fit into the picture for the Lakers.
So here they are — three "dream" targets for the Lakers with the No. 28 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Chances are they don't even make it out of the lottery, but that doesn't mean we can't spend a few minutes imagining a world where they find their way into Magic Johnson's crosshairs.
Los Angeles Lakers
Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Jarrett Allen, C, Texas
If you really don't think the Lakers could use another starting-caliber center, you're living in a fantasy world. While I know that's partly the point of this article, I'm not going to sugarcoat the fact that Los Angeles can't rely on Timofey Mozgov moving forward.
Yes, I know Ivica Zubac showed a heaping pile of potential as a rookie. However, at this point, he's anything but a guaranteed long-term starter. The Lakers need to hedge their bet by adding another high-upside playmaker like Allen who possesses more athleticism than any 6'11" man realistically should.
I will admit that there are some significant concerns about Allen at the next level. His effort was inconsistent at times last year, and his overall game is still raw and unpolished. He will need some serious coaching at the next level, but the physical tools are there for him to be a star center in the near future.
Allen is a tremendous rebounder, using his size and length to win battles in the paint. His offensive game is a work in progress, but he definitely took strides in that department during his one season at Texas. One year under Shaka Smart helped Allen take significant steps forward in his development. Imagine what some professional work could do for his game.
Allen still has a lot of learning to do, which is why many see him as a mid-first round pick. However, if he were to somehow slide to the Lakers at No. 28, he'd be a worthwhile investment for a team that needs more options at center.
Los Angeles Lakers
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Malik Monk, SG, Kentucky
Chances are the Lakers grab a point guard with the No. 2 overall pick. Who knows what'll happen with D'Angelo Russell from there, but that's none of my concern at this moment. What I'm concerned with is the lack of a pure playmaker at shooting guard — assuming Russell doesn't slide over.
Sure, you can say that Jordan Clarkson is a capable combo guard. Realistically, though, I believe he's a better sixth man at this moment. He brings outstanding leadership and scoring abilities off the bench, while giving the Lakers a fallback plan if/when the starting point guard gets hurt. That's why Malik Monk would be an excellent addition for Los Angeles.
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Monk is easily the best scoring threat of the 2017 draft class. Not only is he a sharpshooter from anywhere on the court, but he uses his ridiculous athleticism to create space and work his way into the paint. When he gets there, the Kentucky product is more than capable of ferociously throwing it down with his absurd leaping ability.
At the next level, Monk will need some work on defense. The athleticism and lateral quickness certainly help, but it's often the mental aspects on that end that elude him. He doesn't always give consistent effort, and needs to work on his awareness off the ball. Still, the skills are there for him to be a difference-maker on defense as well.
In reality, Monk shouldn't make it out of the top 10. However, in this dream world we're currently living in, the Lakers stand a legitimate chance of nabbing him at No. 28. What a tremendous addition he'd be to an offense that's already undergone significant improvements in recent years.
Los Angeles Lakers
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Lauri Markkanen, PF, Arizona
In my opinion, the Lakers could benefit from the presence of a stretch-4. Julius Randle has done what he can to widen his range and be a more effective scorer over the past couple of years. Unfortunately, that hasn't quite gone as planned up to this point.
That's where a talent like Lauri Markkanen makes a ton of sense. The Arizona product is a long, rangy power forward with a remarkable shooting stroke. No matter where he is on the floor, there's a good chance he's going to sink it. Just ask his 49.2 field goal and 42.3 three-point percentages from his first and only season with the Wildcats.
Imagine what a true sharpshooter in the frontcourt would look like for the Lakers. Not only would he give this offense more versatility, but he'd help space the floor for players like Russell, Clarkson, and Brandon Ingram (or maybe Lonzo Ball?) to get into the paint.
Now there are some obvious concerns when it comes to Markkanen. Despite his 7'0″ height, he's an average defender at best who doesn't excel at blocking shots or cleaning the glass. I'm a firm believer that this Lakers team needs to get better on the defensive end, and Markkanen obviously goes against that mindset.
Despite that, the offense he brings to the table is worth the risk. He can score in so many ways, and does it very efficiently. It's highly unlikely he makes it out of the top 10, but that doesn't mean the Lakers can't dream about the possibility of him being available at No. 28.
