NBA Draft 2024: Top 3 options for Los Angeles Lakers with the 17th overall pick

Many have focused the Los Angeles Lakers NBA Draft around where and when they will select Bronny James. However, the interesting thing is that neither of the Lakers draft picks fall in line with where he is currently projected. James has climbed into the 40’s on the latest NBA Draft rankings. So either the Lakers would reach tremendously for him with the 17th pick, or they would have to hope he falls all the way to 56. That is, if they don't try to trade up or down for him, which they very well may. 

However, outside of James, the Lakers have many other holes that they can fill with these two selections. The Lakers could use a center and rim protector alongside Anthony Davis, and with D’Angelo Russell expected to opt out of his player option, it wouldn't hurt to target a young ascending guard. 

Although, when you’re talking about the Lakers, you can never rule out the possibility of them looking to package up this year’s first-rounder with future first-rounders in the hopes of getting an all-star like Trae Young, DeMar DeRozan, or Donovan Mitchell to name a few. Or they could use the 17th pick, which has some value in this year's NBA draft class, and try and find a piece that can gel with the current team as constructed. Here are three potential options for the Lakers at 17.