With the NBA Finals now complete, the Los Angeles Lakers held their fourth pre-draft workout group Tuesday, June 13, 2023. This group featured Princeton’s Tosan Evbuomwan, who has a unique feel for the game and will be highly sought after by NBA teams.
Lakers Eyeing Two All-Star Guards While Pre-Draft Workouts Continue
Lakers Fourth Pre-Draft Group Workout
Taevion Kinsey – Marshall
Taylor Funk – Utah St
Adama Sanogo – UConn
Jamarius Burton – Pitt
Tosan Evbuomwan – Princeton
Nathan Mensah – San Diego St
Laker Pre-draft Analyst
Los Angeles also hosted 6’6″ 235 pound Brice Sensabaugh on the evening of June 8th, 2023. He scored 16.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in his freshman season. One of the top scorers in the country, Brice was a leader on the court for the Buckeyes and received All-Big Ten honors.
Both players have had an immediate impact on their respective teams and were instrumental in guiding their teams to successful seasons. In addition, each player has the potential to star in the NBA. As a result, they are expected to be on the Lakers’ list if they decide to retain any of their draft picks.
For the most part, shooting is the Lakers’ major concern. With two certified superstars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis, putting shooters around the pair will be key to their championship aspirations. Having players who can spread the floor and keep the defense honest will give the superstars the space they need to operate. The Lakers need to find shooters who can make a difference this season.
Sensabaugh is one player who fits this mold. The freshmen possess an advanced mid-range jumper with the ability to create his own shot beyond three-point range. He shot 48% from the field and 41% from the arc. On the defensive front, there is room for improvement, but is offensive firepower could make him a valuable asset to the team.
Lakers worked out Brice Sensabaugh today, eh? 👀 pic.twitter.com/FWb7zYs1DX
— Lakers Legacy (@LakersLegacyPod) June 9, 2023
The 6’8″ 215-pound Tosan Evbuomwan, on the other hand, is a two-time All-Ivy League honoree with a feel for the ball. He is a reliable rim protector due to his size, which is a plus. His versatility on the defensive and offensive end makes him NBA-ready to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Should the Lakers target Damian Lillard?
The Los Angeles Lakers have continued to explore signing and trade options for starting guard D’Angelo Russell. As the NBA Draft approaches in a few weeks, it’s crunch time to get everything in order. With all eyes on the Portland Trailblazers, experts around the league believe the franchise is all in on building a championship team around superstar guard Damian Lillard.
Although this may prove more difficult than it seems. LA was always on Lillard’s list of preferred trade destinations. Oddly after this season, that sentiment has changed.
Damian Lillard brought up Russell Westbrook’s situation with the Lakers when talking about his own future:
“Then they got Russ coming off the bench like he’s not a Hall-of-Famer… Man, that’s Russell Westbrook. Like what?”
🎥: @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/yaiaMpqqO0
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) June 8, 2023
Russell Westbrook came in as the Lakers’ starting point guard but was quickly thrown to the bench after a downward spiral in his performance. As a result, Rob Pelinka and the organization traded him to the Jazz before ending up with the Clippers.
Westbrook performed well with the Clippers averaging 15.8 points per game. Leaving an unpleasant taste in the mouth of Laker fans and Lillard who did not appreciate how the event unfolded.
Should the Lakers target Fred VanVleet?
NBA Champion Fred VanVleet has announced he has declined his $22.8 million player option and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. VanVleet is the first major domino of NBA Free Agency and is expected to be pursued by numerous NBA teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers.
ESPN Sources: In the first major domino of free agency, Toronto Raptors All-Star guard Fred VanVleet has declined his $22.8 million player option and will become an unrestricted free agent in July. pic.twitter.com/bVrve81XgZ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 12, 2023
With starting guard D’Angelo Russell most likely on his way out the door. The Los Angeles Lakers’ case for Fred VanVleet could be the real deal.
VanVleet is an experienced point guard who is a proven winner that was detrimental to the Raptors Championship run in 2019. Overall he would be a great addition to the Lakers, who are looking to add another star player. His experience and leadership alongside Superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis could be just what the Lakers need to make another championship run.
VanVleet and the Raptors have had a rocky season after finishing with a record of 41-41, as well as losing in the play-in tournament to the Chicago Bulls. A rebuild is most likely to be on the horizon now that the Franchise is looking to take a different path.
Does VanVleet Fit With the Lakers?
Fred VanVleet came into this league as an undrafted player and worked his way up to an All-Star. The last couple of seasons haven’t been favorable to him in Canada. A fresh start could be what the veteran guard needs after averaging 37.1 minutes a game.
This is the second most in the NBA behind his teammate Pascal Siakam. Who could also be on the market amid rebuilding speculation.
VanVleet averaged 19.3 points and a career-best 7.2 assists last season. The Lakers are determined to improve their shooting from beyond the arc. This is one area VanVleet has struggled in. The past season, his conversion rate dropped from 36% to 34.2%. Regardless, the Lakers believe he can still be a valuable asset. They are confident that VanVleet can bring stability and consistency to their team. He has proven to be a reliable leader and a dependable shooter in his career.
