Pistons Palace NBA mock draft post lottery

7. Los Angeles Lakers

Noah Vonleh, F/C, Indiana

Shouldn’t the Lakers automatically get three picks in the first round because 85% of their roster is already trying to float in the free agent pool? All joking aside there are two players the Lakers favor at this spot. Marcus Smart would be a great selection to place alongside Kobe Bryant. He has been slated in this spot by mock drafters since they started projecting after the season.

Mar 8, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers forward Noah Vonleh (1) shoots against the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Then there’s Noah Vonleh, who showed during his freshman campaign at Indiana that could be a special big man in the NBA. Though he played center last year, it looks like he’ll be moved to power forward at the next level. Which means even if the Lakers re-sign Pau Gasol, he would have an immediate role for whoever takes over as head coach.

Both Smart and Vonleh will interview and work out for the Lakers sometime next month.

Vonleh really needs to work on the small things of his game, such as passing and not turning over the basketball, but it’s hard to pass on a 6’10” forward with a 7’4″ wingspan and the biggest hands possibly in the league.

You know what the say about big hands right?

Though he has some work to do to be NBA ready, he has the upper body strength already to combat the best in the league with their back to the basket.