Lakers Draft Moritz Wagner With 25th Pick In 2018 NBA Draft

Matthew Moreno
3 Min Read


The Los Angeles Lakers selected Moritz Wagner out of Michigan with the 25th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Wagner was among the prospects to participate in a pre-draft workout at the team’s UCLA Health Training Facility.

In reading the tea leaves and analyzing their pre-draft workouts, it was evident the Lakers were targeting shooting and versatility in this year’s draft. Wagner fits that description, having shot 39.4 percent from behind the 3-point line over the last two seasons.

In addition, he shares a collegiate background with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, which the two discussed during Wagner’s workout.

The Lakers went into the night with three draft picks, the latest of which was No. 39 overall, acquired in Wednesday’s trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. Philadelphia received a 2019 second round pick via the Chicago Bulls and cash considerations.

Perhaps more importantly, the Lakers addressed their lack of a first-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft through a midseason trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers. It filled a void that was the final aspect of the ill-fated Steve Nash trade.

Getting into the first round may ultimately prove key for L.A., considering their recent success with such picks. Over the past few years they’ve unearthed Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart and Larry Nance Jr.

Reported Lakers targets Zhaire Smith and Donte DiVincenzo were drafted 16th and 17th, respectively. Additionally, Maryland’s Kevin Huerter was taken by the Atlanta Hawks at No. 19 overall.

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Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers games, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
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