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NBA Draft 2017: 5 targets for the Los Angeles Lakers

By Luke Norris

Jan 20, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A view of the floor before the game against the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A view of the floor before the game against the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) drives against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (left) in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

2. De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky

Here’s where things get tricky. I mentioned at the outset that if Markelle Fultz is there, the Lakers should draft him and I’m sticking to that. The last two entries were both forwards and with Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram seemingly sticking around, point guard is probably the way to go. Yes, D’Angelo Russell is technically a point guard but he’s always going to be more of a scorer. I think you all know who’s sitting at number one on this list but Kentucky’s De’Aaron Fox may the best overall option for the Lakers.

Forget the fact that De’Aaron Fox torched Lonzo Ball and UCLA for 39 points in the NCAA Tournament. Okay, maybe don’t forget that but Fox can do so much more than score points and would be a better fit at point guard than Russell. Yes, he can put up buckets in a hurry — he averaged more than 29 points per 40 minutes as a freshman — but his ability to create space and create shots for his teammates is impressive. His ability to drive past defenders and get into the lane is going to wreak havoc on NBA defenses and is going to open up so many opportunities for Ingram and Randle.

The biggest concern with Fox is his jumper. He only hit 24.6 percent of his 3-point shots on the year and anywhere beyond the foul line can be a problem. He seemed to get more comfortable towards the end of the year, which made defenders have to get up on him a little bit and if he can learn to shoot, he’s going to be unstoppable. When I watch Fox, I immediately think of Tony Parker or Jason Kidd. Neither one of them could shoot very well when they entered the league but both learned to do so over time and both will eventually be in the Hall of Fame. Fox won’t turn 20 until December so he certainly has plenty of time to learn.

Fox may the best call for the Lakers but it would be a surprise because we all know who everyone is talking about.

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