While it’s hardly uncommon for a franchise to speak highly of a draft pick any given year, the Los Angeles Lakers were particularly bullish on Moritz Wagner, who was taken with the 25th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka raved about Wagner’s competitive spirit, skill set and ability to stretch the floor as a big man. They said those sentiments were shared by Josh Hart and Kyle Kuzma after they watched Kuzma’s pre-draft workout.
A rookie season was grounded before it could get going, however, as Wagner sustained a left knee contusion during Las Vegas Summer League.