8P9S NBA Mock Draft 1.0: With the 26th pick, the Indiana Pacers select…

DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 16: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 16, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 94-78. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 16: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 16, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 94-78. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
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Jontay Porter #11 of the Missouri Tigers
ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 08: Jontay Porter #11 of the Missouri Tigers shoots the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second round of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 8, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

No. 13 — Los Angeles Lakers: Jontay Porter, C

School: Missouri | Class: Sophomore | Height: 6’11” | Weight: 235 | Age: 19 

He might be a good pick for the Lakers no matter what they do trade-wise. Los Angeles has no centers under contract and no young centers on the roster.

Situation A) the Lakers successful trade for Anthony Davis, depleting their young core. Davis does not like playing Center, Porter would be able to guard the bigger players that Davis doesn’t like to guard, Porter’s more open to ceding the limelight and his outside-in game will be able to stay out of Davis’ way.

Option B) Lakers keep their core and don’t land Davis. They’ll still need a center who can do the dirty work than Kuzma is less than thrilled to do. Porter could be a stabilizing presence on the floor with the other young Lakers. For a team in potential flux, a player like Porter fits both possibilities. — Jonathan Matthes