While the Lakers probably don't have the resources to vault up the draft board, they should have enough to land somewhere near the top 10. And that could be massive considering the caliber of prospects still on the board at that point versus where L.A. is slated to select.
For context, the latest mock from B/R's Jonathan Wasserman has the Lakers spending the No. 17 pick on Purdue center Zach Edey, whom Wasserman likened to Jonas Valančiūnas. While some might note Valančiūnas has had a productive career, others could point there are reasons the New Orleans Pelicans aren't expected to bring him back.
Edey is massive and skilled, but there are real concerns about his ability to add any kind of value away from the basket (at either end). And the last thing the Lakers need is someone clogging up the paint and taking away attack opportunities from James and Davis.
Meanwhile, Wasserman mocked Providence guard Devin Carter, a player the Lakers have worked out, at No. 8. If L.A. could get that high, it would add a prospect Wasserman compared to Boston Celtics' do-it-all swingman Derrick White. At No. 10, Wasserman has Tennessee wing Dalton Knecht, whom Wasserman comped to Wally Szczerbiak, who averaged 14.1 points and shot 40.6 percent from three over a 10-year career.
