Top 3 Prospects the Lakers Need Now : Future Stars

The Los Angeles Lakers have secured the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Here are three prospects they should consider to bolster their roster.

Johnny Furphy, SG/SF, Kansas

Johnny Furphy is an ideal fit for the Lakers. The 19-year-old wing brings size, athleticism, and versatility at 6’9″. Known for his shooting prowess, Furphy is more than just a shooter. He excels off the ball, consistently moves, crashes the boards, and makes smart plays. Despite being a raw prospect with limited ball-handling skills, his potential as a two-way player makes him a valuable asset around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Nikola Topic, PG, Serbia

Nikola Topic should be their top choice if the Lakers opt for a guard. At 18, Topic has already gained significant experience playing professionally in the Adriatic League and Euroleague. Standing at 6’6″, he is an excellent size for a point guard and is a natural floor general. Topic excels in running pick-and-rolls, controlling the game tempo, and setting up teammates. While he may not be the most athletic or prolific shooter, his playmaking ability fills a crucial need for the Lakers.

a player the media compares Nikola Topic to has been Goran Dragic

so here is 14’ Dragic (28 year old season)
and 20’ Dragic (34 year old season – finals app.)

Goran in his peak was a slash heavy shot creator with real PU shooting juice (42.1 from 3 in 14’)

Goran by his time… pic.twitter.com/EARy9LalMd

— 🪼. (@juerter) May 31, 2024

Tristan Da Silva, PF, Colorado

For a more NBA-ready option, Tristan Da Silva is a strong candidate. At 23 years old, Da Silva is a seasoned player with four years of college experience. In his senior season, he averaged 16 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, showcasing his consistent improvement. Da Silva’s shooting accuracy, with over 39% from three in his last two seasons, combined with his defensive versatility, makes him a perfect fit alongside LeBron James. His immediate readiness and two-way capabilities offer the Lakers a solid contributor right away.

Colorado's Tristan da Silva had an outstanding month of March, moving all the way up to the No. 18 spot on our latest mock draft. His feel for the game, two-way versatility and perimeter shooting is attractive at both forward positions. pic.twitter.com/zd9kjENtqH

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 25, 2024

The Lakers have a valuable opportunity with the No. 17 pick. Johnny Furphy, Nikola Topic, and Tristan Da Silva each bring unique strengths that can address the team’s needs. Whether prioritizing potential, playmaking, or immediate impact, the Lakers have excellent prospects to choose from.