2023 NBA Mock Draft: Detroit Pistons drop to 6th, add a big forward

Oct 4, 2022; Henderson, NV, USA; NBA G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson (0) scores a layup against Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 forward Victor Wembanyama (1) during the fourth quarter at The Dollar Loan Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 14, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Gregory “GG” Jackson II (23) reacts after Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyrin Lawrence (0) knocks the ball from him in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /

2023 NBA Mock Draft

South Carolina. GG Jackson. 12. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. player. 20. Forward

The Lakers land at 12 here in the Pelicans spot, after swapping their lottery winning No. 1 pick. Both the Pelicans and Lakers may push their way into the playoffs by season’s end, so they may not even be lottery teams once it’s all said and done.

Here, LAL gets GG Jackson, who is the youngest player in the upcoming draft class. He can shoot the ball fairly well which gives him upside in his 6-foot-9 frame. As a freshman, Jackson is averaging 17 points and close to seven rebounds per game for South Carolina.

There’s potential for Jackson to play as a small-ball center, which I think would be intriguing for the Lakers, however he does need to gain some size once in the league in order to avoid getting exploited when matching up against bigger guys.

Jackson is a bit of a project, but I think the Lakers would be open to going for upside here.