There's a contemporary feel to Kyle Kuzma's game. But that also means he isn't lacking in any particular area, which should make him easy to plug-and-play alongside several different personnel groups. Hart's biggest weakness is the absence of an elite skill. "That's exactly the kind of player the Lakers need alongside Lonzo Ball, especially if Hart's strong college defense translates to the next level." "The first-team All-American has amazing statistical projections because he was so efficient and has all the physical tools to be a good, solid shooting guard," USA Today 's Adi Joseph wrote. That's outstanding value, even if his upside sits somewhere between reliable role player and adequate starter. The 22-year-old may not have the highest ceiling, but he was one of the safer selections in the draft -and the last pick of the first round. But they have marveled at his polished skills, maturity, basketball IQ and tenacity. He's sort of the typical four-year prospect -only better than most -in that scouts have never drooled over his athleticism or length. He was the leading scorer on a national champion as a junior, a first-team All-American as a senior, a 50-plus percent shooter all four years and a 40-plus percent three-point sniper twice. You name it, Josh Hart did it over his four decorated seasons at Villanova. as small-ball 5s.īut at this price, Bryant is a project worth undertaking. He's obviously behind Brook Lopez and Ivica Zubac at center, and that's before factoring in Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. ![]() It also isn't entirely clear where he fits. He must score efficiently to have a positive impact, and as a limited shot-creator, he relies on others to help him do that. He lacks great explosiveness and quickness, which stops him from being as effective a shot-blocker and defensive rebounder as he should be. "His attitude is perfect."īut there are enough holes in Bryant's game that he was expected to go about where he was drafted. "He brings energy every time he plays," Lonzo Ball said, per Silver Screen and Roll's Harrison Faigen. His rapid rise as a three-point shooter -more makes as a sophomore (23) than attempts as a freshman (15) and a five-percentage-point increase in accuracy (33.3 to 38.3) -also speaks highly of his work ethic. His motor stays fully revved, and he embraces physical play around the basket. His on-court approach is almost as appealing as his natural gifts. That the Lakers were able to snare him with the 42nd selection -the second of two picks obtained by trading down from 28 to 30 -gives the addition some steal potential. Thomas Bryant looks the part of a pro prospect with a 7'6" wingspan sprawling out from his 6'10 ¾", 248-pound frame. With our grading criteria in place and formalities out of the way, let's get to the report cards. Dozier out of South Carolina, but without knowing the details of the deal, there's no way to analyze it. The Lakers also signed undrafted guard P.J. waived David Nwaba on Wednesday, but it's possible he returns if he clears waivers. Two minor transactions are too fluid to gauge. Each has been assessed a grade corresponding to its value, impact and potential. ![]() Their six significant moves have all been placed under the microscope here. ![]() But for a club trapped in the worst four-year period of its existence, the transactions have yielded some overdue optimism. Granted, this is only on-paper relief for now. They also snared one of free agency's most intriguing young talents without disrupting their future financial flexibility. They left the draft with as many as four new puzzle pieces, including the newly minted face of the franchise Lonzo Ball. They got out from under one of the Association's worst contracts and positioned themselves for a frenzied pursuit of next summer's top free agents. The first NBA offseason for the new-look Los Angeles Lakers front office isn't finished, but the early returns are promising.
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