Lakers draft target: Jett Howard
The offseason is in full swing, and the NBA draft is coming up on June 22nd. The Lakers hold the 17th and 47th overall picks in the draft.
While LA is always in trade talks, they could keep the 17th pick. The Lakers have been great at drafting over the years, especially selecting late first-round and second-round picks. They will look to continue this trend and have a stellar draft to add young talent to the current core.
Per @jovanbuha the Lakers are most likely going to keep their 17th pick in this year’s NBA DRAFT. That’s exciting especially in a deep draft class such as this one! pic.twitter.com/rGxGTUOAlv
— Sean “Spaces” Davis (@Sean_Davi) June 2, 2023
Jett Howard should be a target for the Lakers with the 17th pick. Howard is a 6’8’’ forward that is one of the best shooters in the draft. LA needs to add shooting, and adding more wing depth would be beneficial.
Last season at Michigan, Howard averaged 14/3/2 while shooting 41.4% from the field and 36.8% from three. The 19-year-old forward improved as a three-level scorer throughout the season but excels as a shooter.
The knock on Howard at this point of his career is his defense. While Howard hasn’t figured it out on the defensive end of the floor, he has all the tools to be a good defender.
Standing 6'8 with a versatile skill-set, dynamic shot-making and the ability to create for himself and others out of pick and roll, Jett Howard is a prototype for what NBA teams are looking for as a big guard who can play multiple positions and score from all over the floor. https://t.co/zRHAlP88zV pic.twitter.com/D3Jy9fFZsX
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 23, 2023
His size and skillset to become a solid defender and fit the mold of a 3&D wing. The Lakers would be a perfect landing spot for Howard, as they have Phil Handy as an assistant coach. Handy is known around the league as the best skills coach and is great at developing players.
Handy worked with Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura this season and helped them have breakout seasons.
He could help Howard develop as a defender and become a contributor early in his career.
With Howard’s shooting ability and size, the Lakers should have him on their draft board and consider selecting him with the 17th pick.