NBA Draft 2024: Top 3 options for Los Angeles Lakers with 56th pick in the 2nd round

The Los Angeles Lakers have quietly been one of the better teams in recent memory for finding talent late in the draft or with undrafted signings. The Lakers landed both Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves as undrafted rookies and drafted Jordan Clarkson, Ivica Zubac, and Max Christie all in the second round. All are now very steady and consistent NBA players.

With the 56th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, they will have the chance to do the same, and there is a lot of underrated talent creeping around the projections towards the end of the draft. Here are three prime options for the Lakers in the second round.

2nd round: 56th pick 

3. SG, Baylor Scheierman, Creighton 

Baylor Scheierman is as pure of an offensive scorer as you will find in the late second round. The lefty has a crafty handle and a smooth jump shot from all areas of the court. Scheierman would provide a legitimate offensive threat for the Lakers. 

During his time at Creighton, he averaged 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists on 44.8% shooting from the field. He is also one of the more underrated rebounders for his size. In four out of his five collegiate seasons, he averaged 7.8 or more rebounds, which is an astounding level of consistency for a 6-foot-7 forward. 

The Lakers need floor spacing and shooting, and that's not to say the 56th pick will see significant minutes as a rookie, but getting guys you can develop into NBA roles is very important, and the Lakers have seen firsthand that your draft pick doesn't necessarily determine the NBA player you will become. Like Alex Caruso and Austin Reaves, who are now both very prominent and important NBA players in the league.