Much of the focus for potential draft picks for the Los Angeles Lakers has centered around guards. That makes sense as Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, and De’Aaron Fox are all top prospects. The one forward in the mix is Kansas’ Josh Jackson.
Jackson is a versatile forward whose calling card coming into the league is his defense and athleticism. There are some questions about his fit with Brandon Ingram however, as both are primarily small forwards.
After his workout at the Lakers practice facility, his second for the team, Jackson spoke on his potential fit with Ingram and believes they will be special according to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell:
Jackson thinks it could be “really special” playing with Ingram. Noted how GSW+CLE didn’t play centers in “winning time.” Versatility a key.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) June 13, 2017
Jackson, like Ingram, is a very versatile player and also spoke on being able to guard multiple positions at the next level via Trudell:
Jackson thinks he can guard “one through four” in today’s NBA. On offense, he played a lot of 4. Thinks he can play 1-3 as well on O.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) June 13, 2017
Jackson made a very good point about the positionless basketball that is very prevalent throughout the NBA right now. The Golden State Warriors’ best lineup features all guards and wings (although Kevin Durant is technically a seven-footer) and that allows them to switch everything on defense and do plenty of different things on offense.
Lakers head coach Luke Walton comes from that coaching staff and he has been open about wanting to somewhat adapt that style to Los Angeles. Someone like Jackson could be a perfect fit as he gives a team multiple options on both ends of the floor.
Both Jackson and Ingram are capable of operating with the ball in their hands and are effective off-ball through spot-ups and cutting. Those two along with D’Angelo Russell would give the Lakers multiple playmakers on the floor.
There is still no front-runner as to who the Lakers will ultimately select, but Jackson is the first prospect to work out twice for them. De’Aaron Fox also had his workout Tuesday while Lonzo Ball came in last week. Whether either of them gets another workout remains to be seen.