The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for the upcoming NBA draft with the Nos. 17 and 55 picks, and they are diligently evaluating potential additions to their roster. Basketball insider Adam Zagoria reported on Monday that the Lakers hosted workouts for several college prospects: North Carolina’s Armando Bacot, Baylor’s RayJ Dennis, Memphis’ David Jones, and Hofstra’s Tyler Thomas.
Notably, none of these players appeared in Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman’s latest mock draft, suggesting they are aiming to secure a spot in the bottom half of the second round. Wasserman’s projection for the Lakers’ 55th pick is Bronny James, the son of LeBron James. Given LeBron’s player option for next season, drafting his son could serve as a strategic move to retain the NBA star with the Lakers. However, the team continues to explore all options, evidenced by their extensive workout sessions.
Armando Bacot stands out among the prospects, having had an outstanding career with the North Carolina Tar Heels. Bacot’s tenure included four All-ACC selections and an ACC All-Defense honor. Throughout his collegiate career, he averaged a double-double with 13.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, showcasing his consistency and defensive prowess.
RayJ Dennis, another intriguing prospect, has experienced a varied college career, playing for Boise State, Toledo, and Baylor. He was named MAC Player of the Year in the 2022-23 season and continued to perform well at Baylor, earning an All-Big 12 selection. His ability to adapt and excel across different programs highlights his versatility and resilience.
David Jones, an All-AAC selection with Memphis, also brings a strong resume to the table. Jones had a significant impact with Memphis, and his skills could translate well to the professional level. Meanwhile, Tyler Thomas, the CAA Player of the Year at Hofstra, averaged an impressive 22.5 points per game in his final collegiate season. Thomas’s scoring ability is particularly noteworthy, and he is keen to demonstrate his offensive talents during these workouts.
The Lakers’ proactive approach in hosting these workouts shows their commitment to thoroughly assessing potential draft picks. Each of these prospects brings a unique set of skills and experiences, offering the Lakers various options as they strategize their selections.
Bacot’s rebounding and defensive capabilities, Dennis’s adaptability and performance against high-level competition, Jones’s all-around play, and Thomas’s scoring prowess all present compelling cases for selection. Irrespective of whether these players make it onto the Lakers’ roster or another team’s, the opportunity to show their skills in these workouts is invaluable.
The Lakers are known for making strategic draft decisions, and this year’s process appears no different. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on how they utilize their picks and which prospects ultimately join the storied franchise. The inclusion of Bronny James in their considerations adds another layer of intrigue, potentially influencing both the draft outcomes and LeBron James’s future with the team.
For now, Bacot, Dennis, Jones, and Thomas will continue to make their case, hoping to secure their place in the NBA and contribute to the next chapter of the Lakers’ legacy.
