Los Angeles Lakers

Redrafting the Los Angeles Lakers' last 3 lottery picks

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:06 p.m. ET

Fansided, Gil Alcaraz IV/FanSided via Hoops Habit

Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

With the 2017 NBA Draft on the horizon, it seems like the right time to hypothetically redraft some of the Los Angeles Lakers' most recent lottery picks.

It's the offseason for all the non-playoff NBA teams,which means they're busy preparing for the madness that's guaranteed to ensue during free agency and the draft. The Los Angeles Lakers are no exception, especially considering the recent changes to the team's front office.

You can bet your bottom dollar Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka are tirelessly devising a plan to get this franchise out of the NBA basement. While I wouldn't expect that to happen overnight, this offseason will provide numerous opportunities to make progress. However, in the case of this particular piece, I want to focus on the past.

Over the last three years, the Lakers have happened upon three lottery picks. All have been turned into quality players, as far as we can tell up to this point. That, however, doesn't mean that they were the perfect picks for this club.

What I'm proposing is a hypothetical redraft of the Lakers' last three lottery picks. That would include Julius Randle in 2014, D'Angelo Russell in 2015 and Brandon Ingram in 2016. As strong as that group is, there may have been better options available when they were taken off the board.

With that in mind, here are my redrafted Lakers lottery picks. I apologize if I get rid of one of your favorite players, but just remember–this is all hypothetical. At the end of the day, Randle, Russell and Ingram will all still be on the roster.

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

2014 No. 7 overall: Julius Randle -> Nikola Jokic

On the surface, there doesn't seem to be a huge need to replace Julius Randle with this pick. After missing all but one game of his rookie season due to a broken leg, the Kentucky product has shined as a member of the Lakers.

However, I don't think he's ever going to emerge as that dominant player Los Angeles wants him to be. Sure, he'll continue to have big games from time to time. He'll clean the glass with ease, and should see steady progress as an offensive threat. In the end, though, I don't think he'll ever be anything more than a plus starter who occasionally flashes star power.

Based on what we saw from Nikola Jokic this season, though, he's ready to take that step towards stardom.

Jokic spent his rookie season overseas before joining the team in 2015. Although he flashed serious upside that year, he didn't have his breakout campaign until this past season. And boy did he light it up. When all was said and done, he had amassed 16.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 0.8 blocks per game. Jokic also connected on 57.8 percent of his field goals, good for sixth best in the NBA in 2016-17.

As great as Randle can be at times, the ceiling appears much higher with Jokic. He's only scratching the surface of his potential, and looked more like a rising star this past season than the Lakers' 2014 first round pick did. It's a tough decision, but Jokic gets the call.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2015 No. 2 overall: D'Angelo Russell -> Kristaps Porzingis

Leading up to the 2015 NBA Draft, there was a lot of discussion about who the Lakers would select. While D'Angelo Russell seemed like the logical option, it was Kristaps Porzingis who many saw as the dark horse at No. 2 overall.

While that didn't happen, I'm starting to think it may have been the better choice for Los Angeles. That's not to say Russell has been a disappointment, but I definitely don't think he's lived up to the hype. His maturity and inconsistency issues have hampered his development, and he still has yet to emerge as the face of the franchise everyone thought he'd become.

I'm not sure Porzingis would be the face of the franchise by now, but he'd certainly be further along in his development. He's shown glimpses of greatness with the New York Knicks, but already appears fed up with the volatile situation in the Big Apple. I believe he'd be much happier in Hollywood, especially with Johnson now calling the shots.

What I really like about Porzingis is that he's the definition of a dominant stretch-4. He's got the size, athleticism and range that infuriates defenders, and also does his own fair share of damage on defense. In fact, he was sixth in the NBA in blocks per game this season. The kid just has a feel for the game that's rare for a 21-year-old international sensation.

The Lakers already have Jordan Clarkson in this hypothetical situation, so adding another point guard isn't necessarily. Especially after passing on Randle, Porzingis would fill a huge hole while adding a whole new dimension to the offense. I believe the Latvian native will unlock his potential faster, so he's the pick here instead of Russell.

With this, a dynamic frontcourt duo is formed in Los Angeles.

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

2016 No. 2 Overall: Brandon Ingram -> Brandon Ingram

Based on what we've seen through one season, there isn't one 2016 pick selected after Brandon Ingram who has shown enough to warrant swapping him out. I briefly considered going with Malcolm Brogdon instead, but decided to stick with Ingram's immense upside.

While the rookie was inconsistent and uneasy at times in 2016-17, there's little reason to believe he's a bust. He showed a keen ability to creating scoring opportunities for himself, and held his own on defense. While there are several areas of his game that need work, the overall product has to have this franchise excited.

Especially with Jokic and Porzingis serving as the twin towers, Ingram would have more weapons to work with than he does now. He could drive and kick out to Porzingis, who is eerily adept at hitting from deep. If that doesn't work, he's got Jokic to clean the boards and capitalize on the second-chance opportunities.

Either way, the Lakers need a star wing who can put big points on the board and keep opposing defenses on their heels. Ingram is still a work in progress, but seems like the right guy for the job at No. 2 overall. Even if Ben Simmons was available, I might be hesitant to take him instead after injuries cost him his entire rookie season.

Ingram will be a star for the Lakers some day–that time just may not come as soon as fans were hoping for.