4 NBA Draft Day Predictions for Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers enter the 2024 NBA Draft with a late second-round pick and a lot of questions. With LeBron James’ future uncertain, the Lakers could be looking for a variety of things on draft night. Here are four predictions for how their draft night might unfold:

Drafting Bronny James

This is the most anticipated scenario for Lakers fans. Bronny James, LeBron’s eldest son, declared for the draft after a freshman season at USC that was cut short by a health scare. While his on-court production may not scream his potential the chance to reunite him with his father on the Lakers stage is a powerful narrative. The Lakers could gamble on his long-term development, hoping LeBron stays put if his son is drafted by the team.

Targeting Ja’Kobe Walter

If the Lakers prioritize immediate impact, Baylor guard Ja’Kobe Walter could be a strong option. A dynamic scorer with a knack for creating his shot, Walter could provide much-needed backcourt depth alongside Russell Westbrook. His defensive limitations are a concern, but the Lakers might be willing to overlook them for his offensive firepower.

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Tristan da Silva

The Lakers desperately need more size and shooting on the wing. Colorado’s Tristan da Silva fits that bill perfectly. A versatile forward with a smooth shooting stroke, da Silva can play both power forward and small forward, giving the Lakers lineup flexibility. While he might not be a star, he could be a valuable role player who contributes hustle and floor spacing.

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Trading the Pick for Future Flexibility

The Lakers might decide their biggest need is not addressed in the late second round. With championship aspirations and limited cap space they could opt to trade their pick for future assets. Ultimately, the Lakers’ draft night will depend on their overall direction. Do they double down on contending with LeBron James or enter a rebuild phase. The answers to these questions will determine how they approach the draft and what kind of player they target.