The Los Angeles Lakers have kept things very quiet lately, especially in regards to the upcoming 2016 NBA Draft, where they have the No. 2 and No. 32 overall picks.
The team will certainly schedule workouts for prospects projected in all ranges of the draft, completing their due diligence as they prepare for any scenario that could play out on June 23.
All signs are pointing to the Lakers drafting Duke forward Brandon Ingram with the second pick, since the Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly leaning heavily towards drafting LSU’s Ben Simmons with the top pick.
Who might be available for the Lakers in the second round won’t be known until the night of the draft, since there will be 31 total picks before they are on the clock for a second time. But general manager Mitch Kupchak and the rest of the front office are surveying all of their options, including some names that might be available after the draft is completed, as undrafted free agents.
Los Angeles has already scheduled a few names that could be in that pool, and it appears they keep adding to the list. Boise State forward James Webb III finished a workout with the Sixers on Monday, and estimates he has a long line of workouts still scheduled, including one with the Lakers.
Boise St. C James Webb III worked out w PHI Monday. He estimated he has 10-11 workouts left, incl. BKN next, MIN, GSW, SAS, HOU, LAL, WAS.
— Jessica Camerato (@JessicaCamerato) May 30, 2016
Webb had a fair amount of intrigue coming into the season, as some believed he could climb his way up draft boards in what is believed to be a draft class deprived of depth. While Webb showed improvement in a few areas of his game this season, he failed to make strides significant enough to bolster his draft stock.
Webb is a versatile forward at 6-foot-9 with outstanding athletic ability, but his three-point shooting dropped from 40.9 percent last year to 24.8 percent this season with the Broncos. He showed flashes defensively with his athleticism and ability to fly around, but still has a long way to go on that end to be a consistent defender.
The physical tools are something Webb might be able to build on with proper coaching and development, but still needs plenty of refinement to become consistent on both ends. That, along with the fact that he will turn 23 this summer probably won’t help him much with scouts, unless he impresses in team workouts.
Philly Inquirer’s Keith Pompey posted a few videos of Webb’s workout on Twitter, including this one of him burying some three-point shots.
Former #BoiseState PF James Webb III shows off his shooting ability during Monday's #76ers pre-draft workout. pic.twitter.com/7UjxZpdnpb
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) May 30, 2016
That shooting is going to be key for Webb moving forward. He will need it to be consistent if he wants to enhance his chances of making a final NBA roster, as it would give him some ability to play either the three or the four.
Webb averaged 15.8 points on 49.4 percent shooting this season for Boise State, along with 9.1 rebounds in 30.5 minutes per game. He is currently ranked No. 75 on Draft Express’ big board, and they also conducted a video breakdown last year of his matchups with Christian Wood, who now plays for Philadelphia.
While the workout will likely be nothing of significance, since Webb is projected nowhere near where the Lakers are picking, perhaps he could be an option for this year’s summer league squad.
All stats courtesy of Sports-Reference and DraftExpress.
