The Lakers’ guard rotation was sparse last season, and the impending departure of Rajon Rondon could make things even tricker. Cassius Winston spent four very successful years at Michigan State, and he’s the type of upperclassman who could carve out a role early on in the NBA.
Above all else, Winston is a talented shooter who can put the ball through the net — always valuable next to LeBron James. Beyond that, he’s a smart playmaker, a competitive on-ball defender, and he carries himself like a vet. He’s poised and a strong leadership voice, which again fits with L.A.’s status as championship favorites.
Winston has limitations that will keep him from going much higher than this, but for what the Lakers need — immediate contributions from an unselfish floor-spacer — it’s hard to imagine a better fit.