NBA Draft 2018: 5 targets for the Los Angeles Lakers

Who should the Los Angeles Lakers be targeting with the No. 25 pick in the NBA Draft?

Over the last few seasons, the Los Angeles Lakers have acquired quite a few pieces that are going to lead the organization into a new era. Last season, they picked up Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma on draft night, and the year before that they brought in Brandon Ingram. All three players have complementary skill sets that will allow them to grow together or grow alongside a big free agency pickup.

Despite the swell of young talent over the last few years, this is still a team that has a few glaring holes that they’ll look to fill during this year’s draft. Luke Walton turned an abysmal defensive team into one that was borderline excellent when everyone was healthy and he’ll look to improve on that end in the upcoming season.

The Lakers were also second to last in 3-point shooting and probably shouldn’t consider anyone who isn’t a threat from deep in this year’s draft. Considering the talent they have, spacing was an issue all season largely because they were lacking sufficient 3-point shooting. A 3-and-D wing would be the most ideal find for them late in the first round, but considering that nearly every team is going to be looking to become better and more athletic on the wings, replacing one of the bigs who could be gone next season (Brook Lopez, Julius Randle) or finding a competent backup point guard might be a move at this spot, too.

Regardless of the Lakers draft strategy, whoever is taken in the first round will have a shot to compete for minutes in his rookie season, especially if the team doesn’t make the splash in free agency some are expecting. Another young piece is going to keep their growth at a slow, and steady rate, but as long as this team continues to get better, they could look like a postseason team in a couple of years with the right selection.