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Quick Bytes
- Lakers hold the No. 17 and No. 55 picks in the 2024 NBA Draft.
- USC guard Isaiah Collier could be a potential pick for the Lakers.
- Collier has strengths in playmaking and physicality but needs to improve his shooting.
- The Lakers may prioritize veteran players for the championship race.
Examining Lakers’ Draft Prospect Isaiah Collier
As the 2024 NBA Draft nears, the Los Angeles Lakers are poised with the No. 17 and No. 55 picks, with speculation around trading their first-round pick for immediate roster enhancements. However, USC’s Isaiah Collier, once a high-lottery prospect, might tempt the Lakers to use their No. 17 pick.
Collier, at 19 years old and 6’2.5″, boasts a solid build and has shown promise in his freshman year at USC, averaging 16.3 points and 4.3 assists over 27 games. Despite concerns about his wingspan and shooting consistency, his physicality and playmaking skills are notable strengths. Collier’s ability to finish through contact and his agility in creating scoring opportunities are impressive, though his 3-point and free-throw percentages suggest room for growth.
On the defensive end, Collier’s lapses are a concern, but his potential as a playmaker could fill a gap for the Lakers, especially if they part ways with Jalen Hood-Schifino. With veterans like Austin Reaves and possibly D’Angelo Russell in the mix, Collier would likely contribute off the bench, adding speed and playmaking to the Lakers’ push for a championship return.
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