The NBA draft begins this Tuesday, and the Los Angeles Lakers will have the No. 25 pick. This pick will prove to be an important asset, as they will need to either use it on a player who can become part of their core and address their needs or send it out in a trade for someone who can help right now.
Arguably the Lakers’ biggest roster need right now is some sort of upgrade at the center position, especially in terms of defense and rebounding. Tarris Reed Jr. of the University of Connecticut is an interesting prospect, as he’s 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds and someone who seems to excel in both those departments.
Jake Fischer wrote in “The Stein Line” Substack that Reed has been linked to the Lakers as someone they could take at No. 25.
“The Lakers at No. 25 are another team rivals are projecting will land on a big man,” Fischer wrote. “Another big man who’s been connected to the Lakers is UConn center Tarris Reed Jr., who I’ve also heard has interest from teams as high as the late teens.”
Reed averaged 14.7 points on 60.7% shooting, nine rebounds and two blocks a game this past season as a senior. He isn’t very athletic, but he throws his weight around in the paint and is very physical. He reportedly has a 7-foot-4 wingspan, and he has a strong motor that allows him to set good, hard screens and pound the boards.
He has a decent jump hook on offense, and he’s a strong finisher. He projects to be able to switch onto smaller defenders on the perimeter and protect the rim at a decent level.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers reportedly interested in drafting Tarris Reed Jr.
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire | USA TODAY Network
