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NBA Draft 2023: 3 perfect picks for the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 17

By Ian Levy

Dec 3, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Nick Smith Jr (3) brings the ball up court during the second half against the San Jose State Spartans at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 99-58. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Nick Smith Jr (3) brings the ball up court during the second half against the San Jose State Spartans at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 99-58. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 10, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Nick Smith Jr. (3) celebrates after a basket during the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Nick Smith Jr. (3) celebrates after a basket during the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Perfect NBA Draft picks for the Los Angeles Lakers: 2. Nick Smith Jr.

Early in the season, Smith Jr. looked like he’d be selected near the top of the lottery but injuries and efficiency tanked his draft stock over the course of the season. The slithery, 6-foot-5 wing has a refined handle and shifty dribble-drive game that could make him a primary creator and three-level scorer at the next level. He can make difficult shots, the problem is that he took a bit too many of them.

Smith Jr. made just 33.8 percent of his 3s as a freshman and that number will have to improve a lot if he’s really going to be a primary (or even secondary) offensive creator. Improved shot selection will help some but he’s also going to need to get more consistent with his mechanics and stronger so that his efficiency inside the arc isn’t so reliant on creativity and touch.

Landing in the lottery is still a good possibility for Smith Jr. but sliding to the Lakers is absolutely in play. He may need a bit more seasoning and experience to carve out a role on the veteran Lakers but he could has as much upside as anyone available and could really add some creation upside to their second unit by the time the playoffs roll around.

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