All of the talk about the Lakers possibly taking Bronny James with their second-round pick may have people forgetting that they also own a first-round pick.
Los Angeles’ 2024 first-round pick belonged to the Pelicans from the Anthony Davis trade but New Orleans had the option to defer the selection to 2025. When the Lakers were locked into No. 17 overall after a first-round playoff exit, it became likely that the Pelicans would be patient in waiting for a more talented 2025 draft class.
New Orleans made that decision official on May 31, and the Lakers will have the chance to put a talented young player around LeBron James and Anthony Davis with a first-round pick.
Who should Los Angeles target at No. 17 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft? The Sporting News breaks down a few options below.
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The Lakers have one first-round pick and one second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
The Pelicans owned the Lakers’ 2024 first-round pick but exercised their option to defer it to 2025 when there is expected to be a stronger draft class.
The Lakers received the Clippers’ second-round pick in a four-way trade during the 2022-23 season.
The Lakers know James won’t play forever, so they face a few different paths with their first-round pick.
They could target a prospect who fits with James and Davis and is ready to make an immediate impact, they could go for a long-term development project or they could try and trade the pick for a win-now asset.
If Los Angeles stands pat and makes a pick, here are a few different options that could be available at No. 17.
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Tristan da Silva, F, Colorado
I projected da Silva to the Lakers at No. 17 in my post-Lottery Mock Draft. The 23-year-old senior is the type of upperclassman prospect who could make an immediate impact next to James and Davis.
da Silva is a fluid 6-9 wing who can shoot the 3, handle the ball and defend multiple positions. His ability to play with or without the ball in his hands fits L.A.’s current roster. He shot 39.5 percent from 3 on nearly 300 attempts over the last two seasons, proving to be more than capable of spacing the floor for the Lakers star duo.
da Silva should be at the top of the Lakers draft board if they want a prospect who better fits LeBron’s timeline.
Jared McCain, G, Duke
McCain is a happy medium between an immediate impact and a long-term prospect. The 20-year-old plays with poise and confidence beyond his age.
McCain is a 6-3 combo guard. He is a connective playmaker with 3-and-D skills that should translate to the NBA. His ball-handling duties were limited behind returning veterans at Duke, but that allowed him to shoot 41.4 percent from 3. He got more comfortable as a secondary creator and scorer as the year went on, and he will only continue to develop.
McCain might not enter the Lakers rotation right away but the potential is there for him to play sooner rather than later.
Zach Edey, C, Purdue
Between Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes, the Lakers never got consistent production from their backup centers last season. Why not consider the most productive player in all of college basketball with this pick?
Edey proved his ceiling as a prospect is higher than most would have thought during his March Madness run. He averaged 29.5 points, 14.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game, and he showed that his conditioning and mobility improved tremendously, playing all but two minutes and 50 seconds from the Sweet 16 through the title game.
The 22-year-old is capable of filling Los Angeles’ void behind Davis.
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Isaiah Collier, G, USC
Collier would be a familiar pick for the Lakers’ franchise player since James saw plenty of the USC star guard during Bronny’s freshman season.
The 19-year-old was the No. 1 recruit in the country last year but a mid-season hand injury derailed his momentum. Collier is built like a running back, gliding with the ball in transition and embracing contact on drives as he bulldozes his way to the rim. He showed improvement as a passer and defender but needs to iron out his jump shot to keep the defense honest.
Collier would need time to develop as a primary creator, but who better to learn from than LeBron?
Bronny James, USC: Given Bronny’s ascension since his NBA Draft Combine and Pro Day workouts, the Lakers may need to move up from No. 55 if they wish to select LeBron’s son.
