The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2021 NBA Draft with just one draft pick, so they definitely have to make it count. They currently have possession of the No. 22 overall pick, and based on reports, it looks like the Purple & Gold intend to use it on a prospect that could help LeBron James on the basketball court.
A number of young talents have already been linked to LA at No. 22, but one that stands out is Gonzaga product Corey Kispert. The 22-year-old forward is dubbed as one of the best shooters in his class, and he could serve as an excellent floor-spacer for the Lakers (h/t Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report):
Corey Kispert of Gonzaga says he's interviewed with about a dozen teams including the Lakers, Clippers and Thunder. He did not mention the Wizards, who need a player like him and will be picking in his range.
— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) June 24, 2021
Another player on LA's radar is Trey Murphy III of Virginia. The 6-foot-9 swingman is considered to have the potential to be a 3-and-D specialist, which again, should work in the favor of LeBron. As we all know, you can never have too many shooters around The King.
Article Continues BelowVirginia wing Trey Murphy III said he has interviewed with the Knicks, OKC, Sacramento, Lakers, 76ers, Warriors, Grizzlies, and Suns so far. He went No. 23 in @Sam_Vecenie's latest mock draft.
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) June 24, 2021
The Lakers might also be looking to add some depth to its frontcourt via the Draft. Portuguese big man Neemas Queta has reportedly interviewed with the team during the Draft combine and could also be playing alongside LeBron and Anthony Davis next season:
Neemias Queta said he's talked to the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and Portland Trail Blazers at the NBA combine.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) June 25, 2021
All three are excellent prospects for the Lakers as they look to bounce back from an ultimately disappointing 2020-21 campaign. In all honesty, though, a rookie isn't likely to have a franchise-changing impact on LA's season. This might great be a way to add a piece to the puzzle, but it is clear that the Lakers will need to do much more than this in order to improve its squad for next year — and of course, to keep LeBron James happy.