The Los Angeles Lakers held their third pre-draft workout, with the latest group including combo guard Shake Milton out of SMU. His legal name is Malik, though Shake has been with him since before birth.
“My dad grew up playing college ball and stuff like that, his nickname was ‘The Milkman,'” Milton explained. “So when I was in my mom’s stomach they would call me ‘Little Milkshake,’ so ‘Shake’ just stuck around.”
The 21-year-old is regarded as a strong shooter, which was an area of deficiency for the Lakers this season. “I think I showed off my shooting stroke, ability to compete at a high level and my IQ for the game of basketball,” Milton said of his workout.
“How players move, what spots they need to be in and stuff like that.”
Having spent time at point guard and shooting guard, the three-year player isn’t concerned with which position he may play in the future. “I don’t have a preference,” Milton said. “The way the NBA game is moving nowadays, it’s pretty much position-less basketball.”
Milton’s group included USC forward Chimezie Metu, which was the second time since December they were on the floor together. “He’s definitely athletic, can block shots,” said Milton of Metu.
“He’s starting to get his handle right and can shoot, too. You can feel his impact when he’s out there on the court.”
Milton averaged 18 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game for the Mustangs this season. He was selected to the All-AAC Second Team in each of the past two seasons. Milton did not show any effects of a broken right hand that caused him to miss the final 11 games this year.