All eyes are on the Los Angeles Lakers and how the front office will prepare the roster for new head coach JJ Redick. The first order of business is the 2024 NBA draft, where the Lakers have the 17th pick.
Los Angeles may consider trading this pick for future first-round picks in order to acquire another crucial player. If Purdue standout center Zach Edey is still available, the Lakers may decide to keep the choice.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report predicts exactly that in his newest mock draft. The analyst believes the Lakers will select the two-time Player of the Year with the 17th pick.
“The Lakers followed the double-big model to championship success during the 2019-20 season,” Buckley wrote in a June 21, 2024 piece headlined, “2024 NBA Mock Draft with 5 Trades in Round 1.” “They may attempt that option again, as SNY.tv’s Ian Begley stated they are ‘closely monitoring prospective center signings this offseason both through the NBA draft and free agency.’
“The 7’4″, 299-pound Edey is the best prospect for L.A. teams looking for size.” While it’s unknown how much value he’ll bring to the perimeter on either end, he’ll grab rebounds, protect the paint, and scorch defenders in the post.”
The Lakers’ acquisition of Zach Edey in the 2024 NBA Draft could allow Anthony Davis to play more power forward.
Shams Charania of The Athletic revealed that Redick’s first order of business was to meet with Anthony Davis. The top big man has made no secret that he prefers to play power forward rather than center.
Adding Edey would allow Davis to play more minutes as a power forward. Given that Edey is most effective with his back to the hoop, there are questions about his fit in the NBA.
Edey did not showcase his long-range shooting ability at Purdue, but he did at the NBA combine. In recent seasons, the big man has outperformed all other collegiate basketball players. In 39 starts for Purdue during 2023-24, Edey averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 2 assists per game.
