While they’re one of four teams still playing in the NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers can ill afford to neglect preparation for the 2023 NBA Draft. The Lakers have not made a first-round draft selection for themselves since 2018 when they used the 25th overall pick on Moritz Wagner.
This is unfamiliar territory for Jesse Buss and the rest of the scouting department, as they have both their first and second-round picks for this draft cycle. With the 17th overall selection, Buss and company have the opportunity to add a young, talented player to the Lakers roster for the foreseeable future.