WATCH: The Lakers Worked Out Six 2021 NBA Draft Prospects
The Los Angeles Lakers are really busy at the moment and they worked out six draft prospects on Wednesday. It was a big day for the talented players. LA has the No.22 overall pick on July 29. This is the highest selection the team has had since 2019. The franchise has zero second-round picks at the moment.
Wednesday was the final day for draft prospects with remaining college eligibility to pull out of the draft so they can play college basketball in 2021-22.
Jason Preston
He is from Ohio and was the only prospect to meet with the media following the practice. The former Ohio Bobcats guard says the draft process was a “dream come true.” The workout was great for him and he was able to show off his “playmaking ability.” Preston is a successful rebounder and coaches would love his all-around high-IQ performance.
Preston is a winner. In 2020-21, he led the team to its first Mid-American Conference Championship.
“I’m a winner,” he said when asked what he hopes to show the Lakers and other teams. “Wherever I’m gonna go, we’re gonna win. I’m not about the individual numbers…my goal is to win the basketball game.”
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Giorgi Bezhanishvili
He is from Illinois and measures at 6’9, 229 pounds. The power forward isn’t a highly-touted recruit. However, he had an excellent game as a freshman. Yes, he was averaging 12.5 points and 5.2 rebounds.
In February 2019, Bezhanishvili added 35 points in the win over the Rutgers. In 2020-21, the player was averaging 5.1 points and 2.7 rebounds.
Matt Coleman III
Coleman III turns 24 in January. He was averaging 13.2 points, 4.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals for the Texas Longhorns. The guard may give LA a level of perimeter distribution, shooting and shot-creation. LA missed this with LBJ off the court.
Here’s a fun fact. Coleman will work out for the Boston Celtics, too.
LJ Figueroa
He competed for the Dominican Republic since Oregon fell in the Sweet 15. He did raise his stock. The 23-year-old was Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the TBS Distrito league.
The Lakers could really use the super-athletic wing with great three point-range and strong defensive skills. Figueroa is also a great off-the-bounce attacker. He averaged 12.3 points and 6.1 rebounds in Eugene.
Alan Griffin
He is the son of former NBA player and Toronto Raptors assistant coach Adrian Griffin. He started his collegiate career alongside Bezhanishvili. The talented player shot 41.6 percent from three in his sophomore campaign. Griffin is a good replacement for Ben McLemore who may not re-sign with the Lakers. In his junior campaign, Griffin averaged 13.3 points and 5.8 rebounds.
Cody Riley
He averaged 10 points and 5.4 rebounds in 31 games with the team. The forward had nine points, six rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in six March Madness games.
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About The Author
R. M.
Radmila graduated with a degree in Translation & Interpreting. She is an NBA and NFL writer for The Ball Zone, and has been covering popular sports topics for several years. A loyal Lakers fan, she puts energy into reporting big roster moves, potential trades, on-court-accomplishments, and off-court rumors.
