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Lakers Evaluate Three Bigs in Latest Pre-Draft Workouts

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The Lakers have expanded their prospect search with less than three weeks to go until the NBA Draft. A recent update from HoopsHype indicates they’ve looked at three frontcourt members who could help in unique ways.

Lakers Evaluate Three Bigs in Latest Pre-Draft Workouts

Clifford Omoruyi

A springy 6’11” center, Alabama’s Clifford Omoruyi is the exact kind of “lob threat” that Rob Pelinka is looking for. The 23-year-old transferred to the Crimson Tide after his undergraduate stint at Rutgers. While starting 37 games, he averaged a modest 7.9 points and 6.5 rebounds on 73% shooting from the field.

A physical 240 pounds, Omoruyi operates very well in the pick-and-roll and does most of his scoring in the paint. He’s also strong on the glass, grabbing 17% of Bama’s boards when he was on the floor. Defensively, Omoruyi is an adequate shot blocker, posting 1.1 swats per game and a block rate of 5.2%. He holds a career average of 1.7 blocks and is just one season removed from a career-best (and conference-high) 2.9 at Rutgers—something aided by his 7’6” wingpsan. Despite his talent on both sides of the ball, scouting reports note that he must improve his free-throw shooting (72% this season, 61% for his career), extend his range, and defend without fouling.

Oumar Ballo

Another athletic and physical five man, Oumar Ballo confirmed his pre-draft workout with the Lakers Friday via Instagram. The 7-footer spent his graduate year at Indiana, averaging 13 points, nine rebounds and two assists on 62% shooting. Ballo is mobile for his 260-pound frame, sometimes hustling for steals and being the play connector—instead of a finisher—in transition.

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Similar to Omoruyi, Ballo has flashed his athleticism on many highlight plays and projects as an ideal complement to LA’s main playmakers. His aforementioned 7’7” wingspan allows him to make solid plays defensively, whether it’s protecting the rim (1.3 BPG this season) or disrupting passing lanes. Additionally, it allows him to be effective on the glass, posting 3.0 offensive rebounds per game this year. The main concerns with Ballo come with his lack of speed and shooting range, with the 22-year-old garnering comparisons to 2012 NBA champion Eddy Curry and 2023 champ Thomas Bryant.

CJ Huntley

App State’s CJ Huntley plays more power forward than center, but he has traits to suggest he can succeed in either position. The 23-year-old, who worked out for the Lakers on Tuesday, is coming off a career year for the Mountaineers. In 31 games (all starts), he put up 15.7 points and 8.1 rebounds while shooting 49% from the field, 35% from three and 69% from the free-throw line. His energy and 7’4” wingspan were on display at this year’s Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, where he averaged 11.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals and one block on .615/.375/.500 splits.

Huntley’s mobility and shooting make him an intriguing prospect for the Lakers, as does his ability to shift between the four and the five. Even at 221 pounds, he displayed a solid presence in the post, where he’s able to finish with a decent hook shot. However, he’s still considered “raw” for a fifth-year prospect, and he will likely be a project player for any team he joins.

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The post Lakers Evaluate Three Bigs in Latest Pre-Draft Workouts appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.