The Los Angeles Lakers are continuing the pre-draft process by working out several lottery-project players. The team has already worked out Brandon Ingram, the likely choice with the second overall pick, as well as Cal’s Jaylen Brown and Kentucky’s Skal Labissiere.
Now, they are turning their sights on a college superstar: Oklahoma guard Buddy Hield.
Lakers to workout Oklahoma guard Buddy Hield June 18, per source. Wonder if Hield, a great shooter, is a possible dark horse candidate at 2?
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 10, 2016
Hield arrived on the stage in a major way this past season, leading his Oklahoma team deep into the NCAA tournament. His play made him a fan favorite around the country, with stories of his work ethic added to his great play as a scorer.
Nevertheless, Hield has his deficiencies. He is not a great defender and does not project as a player who can routinely get his own shot. At his peak, Hield will seemingly be a shooter who attacks the defense by running off of screens. That is valuable, of course, but not at the second overall pick.
For a more detailed breakdown of Hield’s game, check out our Jacob Rude’s story about him from earlier this year.
As usual, the Lakers are doing their due diligence in case of scenarios where they may trade down or future free agencies and trades. This one is slightly different solely based on the name power that Hield possesses.
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