The Lakers are thin in the frontcourt, with Ivica Zubac looking less and less like an NBA player and Tyson Chandler nearing retirement. Adding another young body to the mix makes sense — especially one with Charles Bassey‘s upside.
Previously a top-five recruit in the 2019 high school class, Bassey reclassified and joined Western Kentucky, marking the program’s second five-star recruit in as many seasons (although Mitchell Robinson never really showed up). Bassey is as NBA-ready as athletes come.
With a strong, sturdy 6-foot-10 frame, Bassey is averaging 14.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. He’s an excellent interior finisher, absorbing contact and finishing with touch around the rim. He even hit his lone three-point attempt through five games, which is worth monitoring.