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2015 NBA Draft: 5 Prospects Los Angeles Lakers Should Take With Pick No. 34

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Ronald Martinez / Staff

2015 NBA Draft: 5 Prospects Los Angeles Lakers Should Take With Pick No. 34

Byron Scott NBA Draft Lottery
Jesse D. Garrabrant/Contributor

The Los Angeles Lakers will likely take Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor with the second pick in the NBA Draft. The Lakers own the 27th and 34th picks in the draft as well. They can package the picks to move up a few slots or they can look to land two role players for next season. With the 27th pick, the Lakers can look at players like Justin Anderson, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and R.J. Hunter. Below are a few options for the Lakers at 34.

5. Norman Powell

Norman Powell Lakers NBA Draft
Ronald Martinez/Staff

5. Norman Powell

Norman Powell Lakers NBA Draft
Ronald Martinez/Staff

Norman Powell is a California kid who attended UCLA all four years. Powell was one of the most improved players in the country, as he went from being a role player in his first three seasons to a go-to guy for the Bruins. Powell averaged 16.4 points and 4.7 rebounds this year. What makes Powell an intriguing selection, is that he is a great athlete (40.5-inch vertical) and has the tools to be a lockdown defender.

4. J.P. Tokoto

JP Tokoto Lakers NBA Draft
Peyton Williams/Contributor

4. J.P. Tokoto

JP Tokoto Lakers NBA Draft
Peyton Williams/Contributor

Tokoto has lots of strengths in his game, but the biggest concern is his shooting. He is a terrific athlete (40-inch vertical), who defends at a high level and is versatile. Tokoto is also a terrific passer for a wing (4.3 assists) and a good rebounder (5.6 rebounds). If Tokoto develops more range on his shot, there's no doubt that he can be a steal. One thing seems guaranteed is that Tokoto will be a good defender with passing ability.

3. Terry Rozier

Terry Rozier Lakers NBA Draft
Maddie Meyer / Staff

3. Terry Rozier

Terry Rozier Lakers NBA Draft
Maddie Meyer/Staff

Terry Rozier is an explosive point guard who has the skill-set to be a productive backup. Rozier is a terrific athlete (38-inch vertical) who attacks the basket and crashes the glass (5.6 rebounds). Something that stood out from Rozier, was his 22 combined rebounds in the Sweet 16 and Elite 8. Rozier like Powell and Tokoto has the tools to be a good defender. Rozier must improving his playmaking and shooting consistency.

2. Cliff Alexander

Cliff Alexander Lakers NBA Draft
Kansas City Star/Contributor

2. Cliff Alexander

Cliff Alexander Lakers NBA Draft
Kansas City Star/Contributor

Cliff Alexander isn't like the rest of the players on this list. Alexander is a raw player with untapped potential. Going into his freshman year, Alexander ranked No. 3 in the 2014 ESPN 100 Class. He is a good rebounder and defends at a high level. Alexander is arguably the strongest prospect in the draft at his position; the problem is that he isn't a polished scorer. If Alexander adds a post move or a face-up jumper he can be a steal.

1. Olivier Hanlan

Olivier Hanlan Lakers NBA Draft
Boston Globe/Contributor

1. Olivier Hanlan

Olivier Hanlan Lakers NBA Draft
Boston Globe/Contributor

Olivier Hanlan is one of the best scorers in the draft; he can score from anywhere on the floor. His game is very similar to Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum. Hanlan also has good size (6-foot-4) for a combo guard. The problem with Hanlan is that he tends to lose focus on offense at times; if he gets that together, he can be a terrific backup guard.

George Middleton is a writer for RantSports.
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