The NBA draft combine officially concluded Sunday, and the Los Angeles Lakers were in attendance as the combine allows teams to get a closer look at prospects.
The Lakers have the No. 22 overall pick in this year’s draft, and unless it’s included in a trade like last year’s deal for Dennis Schroder, L.A. will have a rookie on the roster.
Los Angeles reportedly interviewed Gonzaga forward Corey Kispert, Tennessee guard Jaden Springer and Virginia forward Trey Murphy III at the combine.
All of those players could become immediate contributors in the rotation as all three have solid two-way promise at the guard and forward spots.
But L.A. also reportedly interviewed Utah State center Neemias Queta. The 7’0″ big man turns 22 in July, but he’s a change of pace in who the Lakers interviewed.
Queta played three seasons at Utah State and entered the draft after his best campaign. He averaged 14.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 3.3 blocks. He ranked third in the nation in blocks per game.
He also shot 55.9 percent from the field on 10.3 attempts, a decline after shooting over 61 percent his first two seasons, and 70.7 percent at the free-throw line.
Queta ranked No. 1 among all participants in three categories at the combine: standing reach, height without shoes and wingspan.
Here’s Queta showing off his athleticism and perimeter shooting, via Jonathan Givony of ESPN:
Utah State's Neemias Queta working out at the BDA Sports Pro Day at the NBA Combine. pic.twitter.com/AI5ULu3FYP
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 27, 2021
Queta rarely attempted 3-pointers in college, but his shotmaking in the video definitely shows great potential. He’s primarily seen as a mid-to-late second-round pick, but his stock could be on the rise with his performances at the combine.
The Lakers currently have Marc Gasol on the roster at center. Montrezl Harrell has a pending player option, and Andre Drummond is an unrestricted free agent.
If the Lakers do bring in Queta, which might not be plausible at No. 22, he could come off the bench in stints or develop in the G League, depending on what L.A. does in free agency.
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