Lakers News: Donte DiVincenzo, Kevin Huerter Remaining Eligible For 2018 NBA Draft

As the 2018 NBA Draft quickly approaches on June 21, the Los Angeles Lakers are currently working out potential prospects for their No. 25 and 47 picks.

While much of the attention has been on LiAngelo Ball’s pre-draft workout with the Lakers, president of basketball operations Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka have an opportunity to add to the team’s young core following a trade deadline deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Although there are conflicting reports about the Lakers promising to select Mitchell Robinson if he is available, the storied franchise could look to improve their backcourt depth instead.

Villanova guard Donte DiVincenzo, who met with the Lakers front office at the 2018 NBA Draft Combine and is Josh Hart’s former teammate, announced he will hire an agent and remain in the draft on Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

I want to thank Nova Nation for an amazing season this year and the unbelievable amount of support throughout. The Villanova Community has done nothing but support and motivate me to become the best player and person I can be. I love everything about college and Villanova including the amazing people from the professors, staff members, and all the fans across the country. I want to thank my teammates and coaches for helping me get to this point. My teammates are my brothers and will share a bond forever. I thank Coach Wright for challenging me day in and day out all while loving me like a son. I would not be in the position I am today if it was not for him and the Villanova Basketball program. After gathering all of the information possible, my decision is to keep my name in the NBA draft and plan to hire an agent. I thank everyone who has helped me reach this decision because it was not easy. I strive to get better as a person and a player everyday, everything that Villanova has instilled in me will allow me to reach all goals I have in mind. Thank you everyone who has supported me and the continuous support going forward. Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat. I love you Nova Nation. \///

A post shared by Donte Divincenzo (@divincenzo9) on May 29, 2018 at 11:45am PDT

Meanwhile, Maryland guard Kevin Huerter, who recently worked out for the Lakers, is expected to hire an agent and remain in the draft as well, according to Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated:

League sources: Maryland’s Kevin Huerter intends to keep his name in the 2018 NBA Draft and hire an agent.

— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) May 30, 2018

As DiVincenzo and Huerter are projected to go in the late first round, the Lakers may have an opportunity to select a 40 percent 3-point shooting guard. In addition, both players have at least two years of college experience, which fits the team’s mold.

With another opportunity to improve the roster’s talent level through a cheap rookie contract, the focus remains on LeBron James and Paul George in free agency.

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.