The Lakers have a short list of players they’re said to be targeting with the No. 2 pick in this year’s NBA Draft but they opted to bring North Carolina State guard Dennis Smith Jr. for a workout just in case they trade down, Mark Medina of the Orange County Register writes.
Smith Jr., a possible top-10 pick, participated in a group workout this weekend with a series of other draft hopefuls, including Syracuse’s Tyler Lydon. The guard impressed in the audition, his talent a cut above the rest.
Smith Jr. was sure to do his homework prior to his day with the Lakers and thinks that he can fill a void.
“I checked one of the stats and they’re bottom 10 in almost everything relative to pick-and-roll scoring,” he said. “I think I can contribute to that.”
There are more draft notes from around the league:
- While he may not be around when the Jazz pick 24th in this month’s draft, TJ Leaf believes he would be a good fit with the franchise, Jody Genessy of the Deseret News writes. “Obviously draft number’s a big deal as well, but if I drop a couple of places and go to a team with a perfect fit, that’s who we want,” Leaf said after a recent workout in Utah. “We see a team like this — great coach, great system — and I think I’d fit well here, so that’s why I scheduled this one.“
- After an unexpectedly dominant first season at Gonzaga, Zach Collins is a potential one-and-done lottery pick. Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee recently profiled the sharp-shooting big man, offering him up as a legitimate option for when the Kings pick at No. 10.
- The Sixers will bring in Kyle Kuzma of Utah and Clemson’s Jaron Blossomgame for workouts tomorrow, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes. Kuzma is projected as a late first-round pick by NBADraft.net, while Blossomgame is expected to drop into the second round. Billy Garrett (DePaul), Jalen Moore (Utah State), V.J. Beachem (Notre Dame), and Dominique Hawkins (Kentucky) will also audition for Philadelphia.
All, I can say is I hope the Sixers take a look at Dennis Smith, Jr., in fact, i want them to take him.
I really don’t like anyone else except for maybe Fultz to fall to them at 3, but chances of that are slim and none.
I would like to know more info on Zach Collins though. He is the one guy I don’t really know much about in the top half of the draft. Can anyone tell me how he is on defense? What’s his athleticism like? Can he defend pick and roll, and protect the rim? Offensively, is he a ball stopper, or can he make quick decisions? Does he play above the rim?
More importantly, I can tell you his girlfriend Angelica Payne is hot as *uck !!!
I can see the lakers trading back with the kings #2 and a second rounder for 5 & 10
Only way that happens? If the kings take on deng or mozgov ridiculous contracts!!
Starting to sound like lakers aren’t going to take ball and sixers may trade back. Interesting.
They are in the perfect position to fleece someone and I hope Magic pulls off a good trade for pick. There is not one clear have to have can’t miss player in draft. I still think Fox is best in draft but that’s me. As a laker fan would rather take 3 first rounders that have a chance to hit that are generally the same caliber player with about same chance at success in NBA.