The Lakers are doing all of their homework in preparation for the NBA Draft on June 26 and have begun working out prospects, as well as setting up workouts for other players they are interested in.
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They have already set up a workout with Indiana forward Noah Vonleh and Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart. The Lakers are now set to work out Virginia sharp shooter Joe Harris later this week according to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman:
Joe Harris will work out for Milwaukee, Phoenix and the Lakers this week, source told ESPN.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) May 26, 2014
Harris is not one of the more well-known prospects in this draft. At best, he is a second round pick, and he may not be drafted at all. But he does bring one very important skill, his shooting ability.
Harris shot 40 percent from three-point range in three of his four college seasons and is excellent at coming around screens and creating space for himself in that way. While he may struggle defensively due to a lack of athleticism, there is always room on the roster for someone who can shoot the basketball.
With players like Jodie Meeks, Nick Young, and Kent Bazemore all free agents, the team could use some depth at the guard position, and Harris could provide that. Getting Harris, however, may be difficult.
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The Lakers do not own a second-round pick, but Mitch Kupchak has spoke about possibly trading the seventh pick, which could allow him to acquire a second round pick as well. If he can’t, he would have to hope that Harris goes undrafted.
The important thing here is that the Lakers are looking at a number of prospects expected to go in different ranges in the draft, which shows that Kupchak may be wheeling and dealing on draft day.
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