FanSided Network 2018 NBA Mock Draft

By Staff | Jun 13, 2018

Kentucky's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander throws down a dunk in the second half against Davidson during the first round of the NCAA Tournament West Regional at Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho, on Thursday, March 15, 2018. Kentucky advanced, 78-73. (Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman/TNS via Getty Images) /

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player. 20. . G. Villanova. Jalen Brunson. 25

The Los Angeles Lakers roster could be in for a dramatic rebuild this season with potentially two max-level free agents joining the team and several key contributors from last year moving on in order to create space. The Lakers appear to be planning on quickly pivoting towards competitiveness with players like Paul George or LeBron James as their center pieces. Building around them, the Lakers will need solid young players with experience who are ready to contribute right away.

Jalen Brunson certainly fits the bill. He’s a two-time National Champion from his days at Villanova and was one of the most productive college players in the country last season. Brunson is not imposing physically or athletically but he has good strength and his shown that he’ll compete at the defensive end. On offense, he’s a capable floor-manager and a deadeye shooter who made 40.8 percent of his 3-pointers last season.

Brunson’s shooting means he could play alongside Lonzo Ball at times but his savvy and skill could also make him an extremely useful bench player and backup point guard.

— Ian Levy

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