The 2023 NBA Draft takes place on Thursday, June 22, as both rounds are wrapped up in one night. As it approaches, TGH will be taking a quick look some teams’ draft strategies, and shedding some light on what direction they will go with their picks.. Here is the Los Angeles Lakers NBA Draft profile for 2023.
Summary
While the Lakers were the last winless team in the NBA after starting the season 0-5, they turned it all around after the trade deadline. Finishing with a record of 43-39, they were thrust into the Play-In Tournament. After escaping that, they made it all the way to Western Conference Finals before being swept.
2023 Draft Picks
The Lakers have two picks in the 2023 NBA Draft.
First Round (one pick):
- Pick #17
Second Round (one pick):
- Pick #47
Team Needs
- Shooting (especially from deep)
- Playmaking
Projected Targets
Pick #17: Brice Sensabaugh, G, Ohio State
Sensabaugh is a pure shooting prospect who should be looking to fill it up at the next level. He shot over 40 percent from three-point range last year. He also scored over 16 points per game while grabbing 5.4 rebounds (at 6-foot-6).
The passing isn’t quite there, and he’s a bit of a defensive liability, but that won’t be a problem for the rest of the defensively-focused Lakers. Sensabaugh can make the tough shots and move himself open for LeBron’s pinpoint passing. It makes complete sense, apart from the poor passing.
Pick #47: Jalen Pickett, G, Penn State
Keeping it honest, here, there’s a decent chance that the Lakers forgo this pick to get some veteran play. Hell, they may punt on their first pick, too, if the player they’re eyeing warrants it. But this article will assume they keep both of their picks.
Enter Jalen Pickett, a huge 6-foot-7 potential combo guard who wants to be a true point man. His shooting got better and better in college, but his real potential lies in his willingness as a playmaker. He averaged 6.6 assists during his senior year in college. Given that the Lakers love size and need a passer, Pickett fits here nicely.
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Lakers draft profile
Here is TGH’s 2023 NBA Draft Profile for the Los Angeles Lakers, including team needs, potential targets and a list of all picks.