The Lakers may not have the chance to draft Providence guard Devin Carter at No. 17, but he has reportedly worked out for the team.
After a disappointing season that ended with a quick playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets, the Lakers’ guard performance was a major letdown.
D’Angelo Russell struggled, averaging just 14.2 points and shooting 31.8 percent from three. Additionally, the bench offered little support, with Spencer Dinwiddie and Gabe Vincent being nonfactors in their limited minutes.
Given these issues, it’s no surprise that the Lakers are rumored to be considering trading their draft picks for a star player or using their No. 17 pick on someone who can contribute right away. Among this year’s prospects, Devin Carter stands out.
In a recent video on The Athletic’s YouTube channel, Jovan Buha discussed Carter’s workout with the Lakers alongside Sam Vecenie. Vecenie mentioned:
“I know that Devin Carter went and worked out with the Los Angeles Lakers and they had some real degree of interest there. I don’t think they’re necessarily avoiding the backcourt…or anything like that. I don’t think Devin Carter is going to get to [pick No.] 17 by any stretch of the imagination. Like I would put that at a 0.005% chance of him getting to 17.”
While Vecenie might be right and Carter could be drafted before the Lakers pick, the draft is always full of surprises.
Carter had an outstanding final season at Providence, averaging 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, although his team didn’t make it to March Madness.
Carter will undoubtedly be drafted in June and will have the opportunity to excel in the NBA. If he falls in the draft, the Lakers could capitalize on the chance to pick him.
If they are particularly impressed by Carter, they might even trade up to secure a quality backup guard who can be relied upon throughout the long NBA season.
