When it comes to the 2016 NBA Draft, most consider there to be a drop-off after the top two players which could come into play for the Los Angeles Lakers if they fall to the third overall selection. One of the more interesting possibilities, and one of the best big men in the draft, is Marquette’s Henry Ellenson.
Ellenson has drawn comparisons to players like Kevin Love due to his inside-out game, as well as his shooting and rbeounding ability.
At the NBA Draft Combine, the Lakers interviewed a number of different players, and according to Mark Medina of the LA Daily News, Ellenson was one of the players the Lakers spoke with:
In case the Lakers land at No. 3, though, they consider Ellenson a worthy fit. After averaging 17 points on 44.6 percent and 9.7 rebounds in his freshman season, Ellenson reported the Lakers envisioned him as a so-called stretch four that could both hit outside shots and help with ball-handling duties.
Medina also notes that the Lakers discussed their current situation with Ellenson, who believes the Lakers young core is a talented one:
They discussed the Lakers recently hiring Golden State assistant Luke Walton as their head coach, and how he will try to incorporate the Warriors’ fast-paced system. The Lakers also analyzed their young core in D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr., all of whom Ellenson called “very talented players.”
Ellenson would be an interesting choice should the Lakers decide to go in that direction. Measuring at just under 6’11 and weighing at 242 pounds, Ellenson has the size to potentially play center in the NBA. Additionally, his ability to play on the perimeter would seem to mesh well with the game of Julius Randle.
There will be plenty of options for the Lakers should they wind up at number three overall. They also spoke with Utah center Jakob Poeltl and Kentucky’s Jamal Murray at the combine while Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield, Providence’s Kris Dunn, and Croatian big man Dragan Bender, as well as a trade, will all be considered should the Lakers wind up with the third selection.