#25 – Moritz Wagner – Los Angeles Lakers

After acquiring a first-round pick in a mid-season trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Michigan Center Mortiz Wagner with the 25th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

The 6-foot-11 junior projects as a capable scoring option at the center position. Wagner can provide a lot on the offensive end as he can score down low, set screens effectively while also being able to pop out to shoot from the outside. At Michigan, Wagner put up 14.6 points, 7.1 rebounds per game while also shooting 39.4 percent from three-point range. While Wagner can shoot from distance and also can take the ball off the dribble in limited situations. While Wagner can provide value on offense and is a decent rebounder, he is not a defensive standout that can achor a team’s defense.

There had been a lot of speculation that Kevin Hueter would be available when the Lakers made their pick. Instead, Hueter is off the board and so the Lakers shift their focus to adding the talentend big man. Wagner projected as a late first round, early second round prospect that provides value on the offensive end. The Lakers currently have a strong core of talented guard and wing talent and have now bolstered their front court with Wagner.