Busting Brackets
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NBA Draft 2020: Biggest needs for each Western Conference franchise

By Tristan Freeman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: The first round draft board is seen during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: The first round draft board is seen during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 12: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 12: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

team. 20. . . . Los Angeles Lakers.

Biggest needs: Point guard and stretch forward

Projected picks: 28

The Anthony Davis blockbuster trade with New Orleans a year ago has effectively built the roster we have today for the Lakers. More than half are potential free agents, including Dwight Howard and Markieff Morris, while several others (including Davis) have player options.

Even though the path has open widely for them to win a national championship, the Lakers know that they’ll only have a high-level LeBron James for not much longer and must use this first-round pick to find a hidden gem that can help the Lakers win now and in the future.

But which position is most important? There are multiple areas that need help, mainly on the perimeter. Rajon Rondo has had his moments but in today’s NBA, his inability to shoot the ball is more of a hindrance than his passing ability. The Lakers also need to improve shooting as an entire unit, ranking near last in three-point percentage in the regular season.

Among the ball-handlers who should be available at the end of the first round includes Arkansas’ Isaiah Joe, Malachi Flynn of San Diego State, as well as Grant Riller from College of Charleston. These are players who can shoot the ball, at a high level, while still able to be the facilitator and not have James be on the ball all of the time.

If Howard and JaVale McGee aren’t viewed as the future answers at center, Xavier Tillman of Michigan State is an intriguing big man to consider. Same goes for Killian Tillie, a 40%+ three-point shooter from Gonzaga who could spread the floor while still being a solid individual defender.

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