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The Los Angeles Lakers have signed undrafted rookie P.J. Dozier, reports Chris Haynes of ESPN. Dozier averaged 13.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals as a Sophomore for South Carolina.
The Lakers’ work clearly didn’t end once the final draft pick was called Thursday night, with the front office quickly jumping on one of the top undrafted free agents available once the 60th pick was in.
It’s unclear what the terms of the contract are, but it likely amounts to a Las Vegas Summer League invite and commitment. The front office scouted 99 players during their pre-draft process and full flexed how prepared they were throughout the draft itself.
Dozier’s biggest downside is his lack of a jumper, but he checks several other boxes that the Lakers are looking for. He can handle the ball and get to the rim in transition, is an athletic finisher, runs the floor well, has upside as a defender and a lanky 6’6 frame with a 6’11 wingspan to bring it all together.
That makes for five young additions to the Lakers in a single night, led by No. 2 pick Lonzo Ball. The team drafted Kyle Kuzma with the No. 27 pick before splitting the 28th overall pick into two similarly-valued picks just below it. They then drafted Josh Hart and Thomas Bryant, rounding out a draft that’s being praised by draftniks like Kevin Pelton of ESPN.
Enjoy DraftExpress’ look at why Dozier deserves a look from the Lakers: