"Sixty million or $50 million in cap space is not as appealing as it maybe was in 2010," Marks observed.
According to Marks, proper utilization of secondary resources like data and talent evaluation outweighs simple spending power.
"I think that’s where, whether it be from analytics or from scouting, the ability to fit pieces into the puzzle with that amount of money is where you’ll probably see more value than in the draft," Marks added.
ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo projected that the selection could hinge on how earlier picks unfold across the league.
"I’m guessing that’ll be kind of a best (player) available thing for them," projected Woo.
>>> Caglianone and Antonacci Lead Week 14 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Targets
Woo indicated that the overall talent tier shifts noticeably around the Lakers' slot at number 25.
"I think a lot of the teams in the 20s right now are trying to figure out who’s going to be there.
I think 25 is right around where the talent pool kind of drops into that next tier of guys," Woo explained.
Analyzing specific wing prospects, Woo evaluated Duke shooter Isaiah Evans as a candidate whose perimeter accuracy makes him a strong fit for the roster.
"Evans’ long-range shotmaking has kept first-round interest high, and he appears likely to come off the board in the 20s.
He has nice size for a wing shooter, measuring 6-5½ barefoot at the combine, and has a pathway to becoming a valuable role player if he can continue to flesh out his game, particularly on defense.
