Best Guard Options for the Lakers in the NBA Draft
The Lakers hold the 55th pick in this year’s NBA Draft, and with many people reasonably expecting them to look for a big in this draft slot, the Lakers looking for a guard may seem unlikely.
But with Gabe Vincent having just a year left on his deal, Austin Reaves floating in trade rumors, Bronny James not fully developed, and Shake Milton not contributing much last season, it is not far fetched to say LA could look for a guard and decide to solve their big man issues via trade or free agency.
If the Lakers do indeed decide to draft a guard, here are the best options they would likely have towards the end of the second round.
Kam Jones, simply put, is one of the most impactful prospects of the 2025 NBA Draft.
One of the strongest slashers in recent memory (65% rim FG) while bolstering a 3.11 (!) A/TO (38.1% AST) this season + a career 36.6% clip from 3 — strong blend of ball skills, feel + rim craft. https://t.co/4oWnbxHRLV pic.twitter.com/v3BNEm52h4
— Mohamed (@mcfNBA) June 24, 2025
Kam Jones – Marquette
Kam Jones is a combo guard out of Marquette who averaged 19.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists for the Golden Eagles during his senior season. Jones is a solid athlete who can finish in multiple ways once he gets inside the arc.
Jones was a SG for the majority of his college career before taking over PG duties once Tyler Kolek left for the NBA. He could become a depth piece for the Lakers that would complement Luka Doncic offensively due to his ability to fly up the court. Jones is also an excellent decision-maker with the ball in his hands.
The 6’4 185 185-pound 23 year 23-year-old would be a bit undersized at the SG position, though, but he was a much better shooter in college when playing the two, shooting 40% from 3 compared to just 31% while playing PG last year.
NBA Playstyle Comparison: Malik Monk
Kobe Sanders – Nevada
Kobe Sanders stands 6’6 with the ability to play both guard spots, making him an enticing prospect for a 5th-year senior. Sanders started at Cal Poly before transferring to Nevada for his final college season, where he averaged just under 16 PPG to go along with four rebounds and four assists.
Sanders exploded in the final weeks of the season, scoring 30, 27, and 30 points in consecutive games. He is a 3-level scorer who has real upside as a playmaker.
It is important to note, though, that Sanders did at times struggle against bigger and better competition, including shooting just 36% against projected first-round pick Nique Clifford in the Mountain West tournament and fouling out in a regular game against him.
If Sanders can add some weight and speed, he could become a competent defender, which would allow him to stay on the floor and possibly produce some bench minutes.
NBA Playstyle Comparison: Smaller Joe Ingles
Jaxson Robinson – Kentucky
If one were looking for a late second-round prospect with the best fit for the Lakers, Jaxson Robinson would be on that list. Robinson is a 6’6 guard who would have also been a second-round pick last year had he not decided to go back to college.
Robinson is also one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft because, despite playing five years in college, he will still be just 22 years old on draft day. He projects to be a 3-and-D guard, as he shot 37% from three in his final year of college basketball. Robinson has a high release point and a shot form that looks pure and consistent.
Defensively, Robinson has all the tools with his 7-foot wingspan and is a player who could guard forwards in the NBA. He is not somebody who will have eye-popping STOCK numbers, but he makes opposing scorers work.
So, why is Robinson projected to go late in the second round or maybe even undrafted with this sort of profile? Well, besides concerns about his ability to create his own shot, Robinson suffered a season-ending wrist injury, which likely hurt his stock. He returned to basketball activities in late April, though, and has been working out for NBA teams.
NBA Playstyle Comparison: Trey Murphy
