The Los Angeles Lakers brought in six more players for workouts Saturday for the NBA draft, and among those players was Virginia forward Trey Murphy III.
Los Angeles also interviewed Murphy during the NBA draft combine in late June, which could mean they’re intrigued by his potential.
The Lakers have the 22nd pick in the draft, and Murphy’s stock has risen since his performance during the combine; he could be a realistic target for L.A. barring any trades.
After his workout with the team, Murphy discussed his career goals once drafted, via Harrison Faigen of SB Nation:
“In my first year, obviously you can’t control a lot. It’s up to your effort and energy, and I’m going to have to learn and make my adjustments, but over time I want to become an All-Star. I want to be really good in the game of basketball, and I want to play for a long time. I really love this game a lot, and hopefully I can do it at a high level.”
Murphy has the build of a 3-and-D archetype, which the Lakers don’t really have on the roster aside from LeBron James.
Murphy also knocked down 43 percent of his 3s on good volume in his last season, which would help his status as someone who could contribute immediately. That is what the Lakers would prefer from a draftee considering the current title window with James and Anthony Davis.
The NBA draft will take place on July 29.
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