2019 NBA Mock Draft: The lottery order is officially official
player. 20. . C. Texas. Jaxson Hayes. 11
Considering they have a guy that has a case as the best basketball player in the history of the game on their team, it’s hard to believe how many needs the Lakers actually have. They can’t solve the gulf in their front office left by Magic Johnson and his ego on draft night, but they can start to patch together the roster.
It’s widely assumed the Lakers trade this pick to acquire Anthony Davis the moment they get the chance, and that’s certainly likely, but Boston still has the best package for Davis. Los Angeles’ package fell apart dramatically when injuries to Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram extended far beyond the original timetable. It probably makes more sense for the Lakers to primarily build this roster through free agency.
If that’s the case, this pick might stay in-house, making Hayes an awesome consideration for Rob Pelinka and the Lakers. After puzzlingly trading solid young big man Ivica Zubac at the trade deadline, there’s a hole at center in L.A. They won’t recoup the value they lost by giving Zubac away for nothing, but they can find an upgrade in Hayes this June.
Hayes is the ideal James big man, especially at this point in the King’s career. He will create downhill gravity on offense and allow the Lakers to defend more traditionally on defense. Hayes’ patience and length on defense will allow him to earn NBA minutes right away.
James’ timeline may not allow it, but Hayes could help the Lakers next season.