2018 NBA Draft Rumors: Lakers Held Private Workout With Villanova Guard Jalen Brunson
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

There are plenty of rumors surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the 2018 NBA Draft. The fact that the Lakers acquired the 39th overall pick from the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday only further served to add to the existing questions as to their intentions.

The team has multiple different needs and worked out more than 100 players in the weeks leading up to the draft, so there are plenty of ways the franchise could go. One of those needs is in the backcourt with their point guard position as things went south when Lonzo Ball was injured.

There are plenty of options who could fit the bill that could be available for any of the Lakers’ picks, but the team could have their eye on Villanova’s Jalen Brunson. According to Bill Oram of The Athletic, the Lakers brought him in for an individual workout earlier this month:

The majority of the Lakers workouts tend to be in group settings so anyone they bring in for a solo workout is sure to get some extra attention. Someone like Brunson certainly checks a lot of boxes that the Lakers are looking for.

The Lakers have tended to lean towards experienced college players with their later draft picks as Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart all played at least three seasons. Brunson also spent three years at Villanova, winning two national championships and is a former teammate of Hart’s.

While he isn’t necessarily viewed as a prospect with great upside, Brunson is a steady, reliable playmaker who shot over 40 percent from three-point range, and is a hard-nosed defender. Some have even compared him to Lakers favorite Derek Fisher.

Brunson is viewed as a late-first or early second-round selection so if the Lakers are locked in on him, no. 25 would be the safest bet as he could be gone before their next pick.

As part of our efforts to help you understand how we handle the personal information you share with us, and in preparation for the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we’ve updated our Privacy & Cookies Policy. The updated Privacy & Cookies Policy will take effect on May 22, 2018. By using our services on or after that date, you’ll be agreeing to our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy. We recommend that you read our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy in full.

You May Also Like

Lakers Rumors: ‘Nothing Is Imminent’ On LeBron James’ Contract Extension

One of the main priorities for the Los Angeles Lakers has been to determine LeBron James’ future this summer…

Lakers Rumors: Team Won’t Visit White House During Trip To Washington

Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Los Angeles Lakers have been unable to celebrate their 2020 NBA championship…

NBA Rumors: Lakers Have Not Reached Out To Bob Myers, Never Reached Out To David Griffin

Nearly three weeks ago, Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson suddenly resigned to conclude…

NBA Rumors: ‘Player Guest’ Policies At Walt Disney World Related To Team Roster Size

One of the issues that has been most important to NBA players with regard to the return-to-play plan at Walt…