If the NBA season does not return, the very next move for the Los Angeles Lakers will be looking toward the 2020 NBA Draft. As it currently stands, the Los Angeles Lakers would have the 29th overall pick in the NBA Draft, which would provide them with the opportunity to add high-quality draft talent at the end of the first round. One name that has recently popped up as a potential faller in the draft is Nico Mannion from Arizona University. Nico Mannion had a good freshman year as the Arizona’s guard, but not enough to make him a surefire lottery pick. If Mannion does fall to 29, the Los Angeles Lakers should draft him and let him develop as a new playmaker off the bench along with Alex Caruso, Quinn Cook, Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley.
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Another player that was once projected as a top pick that may be sliding down draft boards is Vernon Carey Jr., who has developed into a stretch five. The Lakers have two centers that could enter free agency in Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee, which could make Vernon Carey Jr. a prime candidate in the 2020 NBA Draft.
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Vernon Carey Jr. has a big body, although he is only 6’10, but he is more than just a back to the basket big man as his ability to stretch the floor is going to make him very valuable at the next level. The Los Angeles Lakers could benefit from a big man with the versatility that Vernon Carey Jr. will bring.
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Jahmi’us Ramsey of Texas Tech had an outstanding freshman season for the Red Raiders. His jumpshot became one of the most reliable in college basketball, and as a great shooter, he might be perfect for the Los Angeles Lakers who are always looking to add jump shooters around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Ramsey’s game outside of his jumper leaves a little bit to be desired, but as a specialist, he makes a lot of sense as a top-20 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Tre Jones from Duke is one of the most experienced and reliable point guards in the draft this year. Tre Jones could fall anywhere from the late first round to the middle of the second round. The Los Angeles Lakers could use a smart point guard like Tre Jones to bring some playmaking ability off the bench. Another veteran point guard that is going to be available near the end of the first round for the Los Angeles Lakers is Cassius Winston of Michigan State. He is a bit turnover prone but could still provide a lot of value for a team like the Lakers that will be chasing a championship.
5 Potential Draft Prospects for the Los Angeles Lakers:
Nico Mannion
Cassius Winston
Vernon Carey Jr.
Tre Jones
Jahmi’us Ramsey
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