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