NBA Draft 2020: Mock Draft 6.0 (Lottery Order Set)

The Lakers’ point guard depth has been a weakness all season. With Rajon Rondo on a steep decline, Avery Bradley not in the long-term plans, and Alex Caruso more of a complementary piece than a certified starting guard, L.A. would be wise to add to its reserves.

In Cassius Winston, the Lakers get a ready-made contributor and one of college basketball’s most productive players, period. Winston helmed multiple great Michigan State teams, and was among the fringe contenders for National Player of the Year as a senior. He’s a complete gamer. He competes on defense, can hit deep 3s on demand, and he’s incredibly smart. All traits the Lakers should value as a contender.

Winston lacks a degree of cachet. He’s older, he’s not much of an athlete, and at 6-foot-1, he doesn’t scream “upside.” But, for the Lakers, it’s about adding a young, productive guard who can contribute to a playoff run. Color me unsurprised if Winston cracks the rotation on a contender in his rookie year.