Lakers Reportedly Targeting 5 Backcourt Players With No. 17 Pick

The #Lakers have a lot of upcoming decisions to make, including what to do with the No. 17 pick in the 2024 draft. The Lakers are reportedly targeting guards and wings. Here is the latest on five players who could fall to them. @lastwordhoopshttps://t.co/yYhF4k3KD0

— Daniel Benjamin (@ZoneDeeSports) June 15, 2024

Woike listed guards Devin Carter, Isaiah Collier, and Jared McCain, along with wings Tristan da Silva and Ja’Kobe Walter, as possible options at No. 17. According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.

Here is the thing: The Lakers have invested heavily in the backcourt in recent drafts. However, the Lakers need to add depth with Russell, Christie, and Dinwiddie being potential free agents. The same can be said about their wing situation, with Prince and Reddish being potential free agents.

The Lakers have had mixed results with rookie guards/wings over the past few years. The Lakers came up roses with Austin Reaves, who went undrafted in 2021. Christie, a second-round draft pick in 2022, saw moderate improvement in his performance in year two though he was a rotational player this past time. Jalen Hood Schifino, the No. 17 pick in 2023, only saw 109 minutes over 21 appearances.

DEVIN CARTER

Carter is a 6-2 point guard with a 6-8.5 wingspan. Carter was named 2023-24 Big East Player of the Year, averaging 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals across 35.3 minutes per game. He shot hot 47.3% from the field and 37.7% from beyond the arc this past season.

Here’s the NBA.com scouting report on Carter:

“Known for his defensive ability, Carter experienced an offensive breakout in 2023-24 that translated into an uptick in his Draft stock, and over the last 12 months has become widely considered as one of the best two-way guards in the nation over. He’s a dangerous player in ball-screen and spot-up situations, meaning he can play on and off the ball. However, his decision making will ultimately determine whether he makes a career as a point guard or shooting guard. His lateral quickness is an asset on both ends of the court, allowing him to get off screens with relative ease while also being helpful to defend in the perimeter. Even though his scoring ability is proven at the NBA level, he lacks a consistent mid-range game. Most of his offensive arsenal lies between attacking the rim and shooting threes. He looks the part of a two-way asset and a three-and-D player, with the potential to become even more if his offensive game continues to develop as it has over the last two years.”