2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks land defensive stopper, Warriors add another shooter

17. Los Angeles Lakers select Jordan Hawkins

You can never have too many shooters around LeBron James, right?

That's why with the 17th overall pick, I have the Los Angeles Lakers selecting Jordan Hawins from UConn. Hawkins is a top-two shooter in this year's draft, and pairing him with LeBron would elevate both of their games.

Hawkins would get to catch passes for open shots from one of the greatest players of all time while opening up the floor for LeBron and Anthony Davis to operate inside the arc. The Lakers also already have Austin Reaves (if he re-signs) and James as their lead ball handlers, and drafting a shooter here makes sense for LA.

Other than being a great shooter, Hawkins is also a solid defender. He makes smart rotations and hustles endlessly. Hawkins isn't the type of defender that will shut down the other team's best player but can pester other guards and compete with most players.

This is the right pick for LA because they add another shooter to play alongside LeBron that can also defend. They need a player that can knock down threes in bunches and be a threat at all times from anywhere behind the arc. Hawkins is that guy.