Lakers Pre-Draft Workout Video: USC’s Chimezie Metu
Matthew Moreno-LakersNation.com

For Chimezie Metu, Wednesday’s pre-draft workout with the Los Angeles Lakers doubled as a unique opportunity for the 2018 NBA Draft prospect to get an inside look at his favorite team. Metu attended high school a few miles from the Lakers practice facility, and spent three years at USC.

“I’m really, really grateful to be here right now,” Metu said after the workout. “I live 10 minutes from here. I’ve been a Laker fan my whole life, so it was a dream come true to come here and work out.

“Just being here is crazy to me. I’m probably going to have a lot more workouts but this is probably going to be my favorite one. The one I cherish a lot more, just because of the history.”

The workouts have been attended by Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson, general manager Rob Pelinka, head coach Luke Walton, assistant coaches and a slew of front office personnel.

“That was crazy,” Metu said of Johnson’s presence. “He’s been to a couple of our games but he just sat there. I’ve never been able to shake his hand and actually talk to him. It was pretty fun.”

Their interaction was brief and Johnson wasn’t overly involved in providing any sort of feedback or instruction. “He didn’t really say much,” Metu said. “He was sitting there, doing what Magic does. His presence is still there. It could still be felt.”

Metu, who averaged 15.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, earned 2018 Pac-12 First Team honors and was an All-Defensive Team honorable mention selection. He finished third on USC’s all-time blocked shots list with 168.

“Wherever I end up, that’s something I can bring to the table. Just being a presence on defense,” Metu said. “I didn’t really get a chance to show that today but I think teams know I can bring that to the table.”

But with that, the 21-year-old believes there’s a skill set he has not yet been able to demonstrate. “I didn’t really get a chance to show I can guard people on the perimeter,” Metu said of his time with the Trojans.

“I’m going to try and show that in my team workouts and hopefully translate that to the next level.”

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Kobe Wants Accelerated Rebuild For ‘Selfish Reasons’

Kobe Bryant has never been one to hold back his opinions on…

Phil Handy Pleased With How Lakers Have Competed In First Two California Classic Summer League Games

After two blowout victories for the Los Angeles Lakers in the California Classic Summer League, the Purple and Gold…

Luke Walton Believes Kyle Kuzma’s ‘Competitive Energy’ Rubs Off On Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers got back in the win column with their 107-97 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. While they are still dealing with injuries, Luke Walton’s team did…

Lakers News: LeBron James Looks Back On Pressure Put On Him At Age 18 After Reaching 40,000 Points

Over the last 21 years, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has gone from an 18-year-old with unfathomable expectations…