2017 NBA First Round Mock Draft 2.0

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) shoots the ball in front of Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) in the second half during the Big Ten Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) shoots the ball in front of Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) in the second half during the Big Ten Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

28. Los Angeles Lakers (via Houston Rockets)- D.J. Wilson- PF- Michigan

The Los Angeles Lakers are back on the clock after the midseason Lou Williams traded netted them the Houston Rockets first round selection.

If you listen to reports, the Lakers have a very specific target in mind at this pick.

Why D.J. Wilson?

D.J. Wilson’s A Royal Prospect Profile

ESPN’s Chad Ford reported the Lakers are very high on Wilson.  It is very easy to see why they would be as Wilson is an exceptional athlete who can space the floor.  As a 6’10 player, his abilities as a stretch four should make him a first-round pick.

I do not love this pick as Wilson is very raw and will struggle on the defensive end of the floor.  The Lakers were a bad defensive team last year and adding Ball and Wilson will not help that problem.  Los Angeles is not expecting to win a ton next season so developing a prototypical stretch four could be a great long-term decision for the Lakers, but expect some hiccups in the short-term.

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