With the Los Angeles Lakers possessing the No. 22 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, the front office is scouting prospects to possibly take with the pick.
The NBA draft combine allows teams to conduct individual workouts and interviews with prospects in attendance, and Los Angeles is capitalizing on that opportunity.
The Lakers interviewed Gonzaga forward Corey Kispert, who shot 44 percent from deep on high volume as a senior.
That gives a glimpse of the player archetype the Lakers want to add to the roster for next season: a sharpshooter who can hold their own defensively.
Los Angeles also interviewed Jaden Springer of the Tennessee Volunteers and Trey Murphy III of the Virginia Cavaliers, according to Chase Hughes of NBC Washington and Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic:
Jaden Springer, a likely top-20 pick, says he's interviewed with the Knicks, Raptors, Lakers and Suns among many teams. He read the whole list (helpful!) and the Wizards weren't on it.
— Chase Hughes (@ChaseHughesNBCS) June 24, 2021
Virginia wing Trey Murphy III said he has interviewed with the Knicks, OKC, Sacramento, Lakers, 76ers, Warriors, Grizzlies, and Suns so far. He went No. 23 in @Sam_Vecenie's latest mock draft.
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) June 24, 2021
Springer played just one season at Tennessee and averaged 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.2 steals. He shot 46.7 percent overall on 9.1 attempts and 43.5 percent from deep on 1.8 attempts.
Springer’s also one of the best defensive guards in the draft. At 6’4″ with a reported wingspan of about 6’6″, Springer can give opposing guards fits on the defensive end while his shooting from the perimeter shows promise.
Murphy III played three years of collegiate basketball. He spent two seasons with Rice University before spending his final year with Virginia.
In his final year, Murphy III averaged 11.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.8 steals. He made 50.3 percent of his field goals overall on 7.6 attempts and 43.3 percent from deep on 4.8 attempts.
Murphy III could provide the Lakers a 3-and-D wing with his 6’9″ height and seven-foot wingspan. The 3-point shot should translate seamlessly to the league, and his versatility on defense is already strong. His stock is rising since there’s plenty of upside with his skillset.
Springer is seen as a mid-to-late first-round pick, and Murphy III ranges from late first to early second. But as aforementioned, he could go much earlier. Both players would be solid fits for the Lakers if available.
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