2025 NBA mock draft roundup: Could Tamar Bates be the latest steal for the Lakers?
The Lakers could be eyeing a dynamic guard like Tamar Bates or Hunter Sallis in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The NBA Draft is approaching quickly and while the Lakers don’t have a first round selection, they do have the No. 55 pick.
While that places Los Angeles near the bottom of the draft, they’ve found success with late second-rounders.
What options will likely be available at No. 55, and who should the Lakers take? Earlier mock drafts had the Lakers taking a big with their pick. But that isn’t the only option available at that pick.
Let’s take a look at who some of the latest mock drafts are projecting to go to the Lakers.
HoopsHype, Bleacher Report — Tamar Bates, guard, Missouri
Bates split his college time between Indiana University and Missouri. As a guard, he improved each season, culminating in him averaging 13.3 points and shooting 39% from deep as a senior with the Tigers.
Here’s what Cyro Asseo de Choch of HoopsHype had to say about Bates.
A Portsmouth Invitational alum, Tamar Bates is a sneaky upside play as a senior guard who shoots efficiently from all levels. He brings two-way potential as a secondary playmaker and spot-up threat, with defensive instincts that could help him earn minutes if developed. His shooting is among the best in this draft class, making him an intriguing late-round flier for the Lakers’ backcourt.
Bates was a common selection in the latest mock drafts as Bleacher Report as had him slated to the Lakers. Jonathan Wasserman offered his explanation on the pick.
Tamar Bates has put himself in the second-round discussion with a strong draft process, first standing out at Elite Camp and then looking like he belonged during NBA combine scrimmages. He’s an efficient shotmaker and one of the most efficient finishers among guards in this year’s field.
The Athletic — Hunter Sallis, guard, Wake Forest
While Bates has appeared in a couple of mock drafts, he’s not the only guard connected to the Lakers.
Hunter Sallis from Wake Forest is another backcourt name being brought up as a good second round option. Sam Vecenie of The Athletic didn’t give any context for why he likes Sallis to the Lakers, but his production this past season was impressive.
He played and started in all 32 games for Wake Forest, averaging 18.3 points while playing a team-high 35.9 minutes per game.
His 3-point shooting in his senior year was a struggle at 27%, but as a junior, he was much better from deep, converting on those shots at a 40% clip while taking 5.6 attempts per game.
With his athleticism, if he can be consistent from beyond the arc, he could become the steal of the draft.
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