Zach Edey to Meet with Los Angeles Lakers, Draft Projection Up as High as No. 9
One of the most storied franchises in the NBA is reportedly hosting former Purdue star Zach Edey. ESPN's Jonathan Givony reported that the 7-foot-4 center is set to meet with the Los Angeles Lakers.
In his recent 2024 NBA Draft rankings, Givony revealed that Edey is schedule to meet with the Lakers in the near future. This news comes after the two-time Naismith National Player of the Year participated in a pre-draft workout with the Toronto Raptors.
The Lakers have the No. 17 pick in this year's draft — a spot where Edey could be available. However, Givony reports that multiple teams have interest in the 7-footer and that he could go as high as No. 9.
"Teams say Edey's range appears to be in the Nos. 9-19 range based on the workouts he has conducted and scheduled," Givony writes. "He was with the Toronto Raptors this past week, will visit the Los Angeles Lakers, and is in the conversation at Memphis (9), Utah (10), Chicago (11), Oklahoma City (12), Portland (14) and Miami (15)."
Edey impressed during his time at the NBA Scouting Combine in May. The former Purdue star showed off his ability to shoot from range, as well as knock down pull-up jumpers. He made 14-of-25 shots from behind the 3-point line, hit 60% of his shots off the dribble and converted on nine-of-10 free throw attempts.
Zach Edey at the NBA Combine:
— MVP4 (@UTD_m4) May 14, 2024
- 14/25 in the 3-point drill
- 3.51 Seconds in the 3/4 Quarter sprint
- 11.19 Seconds in the Pro lane drill
- 18/30 shooting off the dribble
- 9/10 on free throw attempts
Should the Raptors Draft Him with Pick #31👀 pic.twitter.com/H0nM8HcnK0
Edey has admitted that the strongest aspect of his game is in the post. But he's used the offseason and various workouts to prove that he can do more than what we saw at Purdue.
"Dominating the paint — that's my game, it's not any secret," Edey said at the combine. "I wanna get the rebounds, I wanna bang inside, carve out that space inside, protect the rim. That's my game. That's what I'm always gonna try to hang my hat on.
"I think I'm quicker than teams think I am, I think I can shoot better than teams think I can. I have to show that, but I think on film ... I was in college for four years, I've got a lot of film. I know what I can do."
In Givony's latest player rankings, Edey is ranked as the No. 16 prospect in the draft.
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