Two Picks After Hood-Schifino: Lakers Draft

Neomam Admin

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Nov 01, 2024

43 visitor like this post

Share

Two Picks After Hood-Schifino: Lakers Draft

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2023 NBA Draft with a clear objective: bolster their roster with young talent and inject fresh energy into a team yearning for a return to championship contention. With their 17th pick, they selected Max Christie, a promising shooting guard from Michigan State. While the pick itself wasn't considered a home run, it presented an opportunity for the Lakers to add a player with significant upside. But the real surprise came just two picks later, when they snagged another young talent with the potential to be a long-term asset – Colby Jones from the University of Dayton.

Max Christie: A Work in Progress

Max Christie, a 6'4" shooting guard with a smooth stroke and a knack for scoring, came into the draft with intriguing potential. However, concerns about his scoring efficiency and defensive capabilities lingered, making him a bit of a project for the Lakers. While showcasing flashes of brilliance at Michigan State, Christie struggled with consistency and lacked the elite athleticism to dominate on the court.

Despite the question marks, the Lakers saw value in Christie's shooting ability and potential for growth. He's a capable shooter from distance, and his 3-point range could complement the Lakers' existing offensive firepower. Furthermore, the Lakers believe in his work ethic and his willingness to improve. While it might take time, the Lakers are hoping that Christie will eventually develop into a reliable contributor on both ends of the court.

Colby Jones: A Versatile Asset

With their 19th pick, the Lakers went for a player with a different skillset: Colby Jones. The 6'6" forward from Dayton arrived in the NBA with a reputation as a defensive-minded player with a high basketball IQ. His versatility on the court, coupled with his ability to guard multiple positions, made him a highly sought-after prospect.

Jones's value doesn't lie solely in his defensive prowess. He possesses a knack for finding open shots and can contribute offensively with his mid-range game. Moreover, his basketball IQ and court vision make him a valuable asset for a team looking to play a fast-paced, sharing style of basketball.

Long-Term Potential

The Lakers' decision to draft Christie and Jones two picks apart reflects their approach to the draft: investing in players with potential for growth and long-term value. While neither prospect may be a game-changer right away, both players possess valuable traits that could translate into success in the NBA.

Christie's shooting ability and Jones's versatility and defense are valuable assets that can contribute to the Lakers' overall team success. Their ability to develop into reliable contributors will be a key factor in the Lakers' quest to return to championship contention.

The Lakers have a young core with the potential to grow together, and the addition of Christie and Jones adds further depth and versatility to their roster. The future for the Lakers remains bright, with the hope that their two latest draft picks will contribute to their pursuit of another championship.