Like other teams, the Los Angeles Lakers have made the most of their time at the 2018 NBA Draft Combine. Based on EPSN’s coverage, president of basketball operations Magic Johnson, general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach Luke Walton represent part of the team’s contingent.
During their time in Chicago, the Lakers are said to have interviewed Villanova’s Donte DiVincenzo and USC’s De’Anthony Melton. It’s also believed the Lakers have arranged pre-draft workouts with Villanova’s Omari Spellman and St. John’s Shamorie Ponds.
While some are using the combine to improve their draft stock, Mitchell Robinson elected to withdraw from participating in any on-court drills or interviews, per ESPN’s Jonathan Givnoy:
Mitchell Robinson has withdrawn from all NBA Combine activities, including his team interviews this afternoon, the league informed NBA executives. Unclear if he has a promise, or if he is simply preferring to avoid conducting interviews and a medical examination.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 16, 2018
Robinson withdrawing may be related to the Lakers reportedly promising to select him with their first-round pick, per NBADraft.Net:
Draft Rumors: Hearing two promises coming out of Chicago Pre-Draft Combine. @chicagobulls with Chandler Hutchison at 22 and @Lakers with Mitchell Robinson at 25. Updated Extended Mock 4.1 | https://t.co/GrocNca6vH pic.twitter.com/vSoQZyD8hv
— NBADraft.net (@nbadraftnet) May 19, 2018
Robinson, a five-star and top-10 prospect out of high school, committed to Western Kentucky but never played in his freshman season. He abruptly left the university, visited Kansas and University of New Orleans, but ultimately re-enrolled at WKU.
However, shortly after, Robinson elected to begin preparing for the 2018 NBA Draft instead of playing one year of collegiate basketball. It’s believed Rick Stansbury resigning as WKU head coach led to some of Robinson’s indecision.
Robinson is an athletic center who could have a strong presence on the defensive end of the floor but would need plenty of grooming and time to develop.
