Scouting Reports

I think this is the best player the Lakers are likely to get with the 29th overall pick, and after watching him in a couple of games he seems just about right to fill the Lakers Power Forward/Center needs.

Jabari Smith a senior at LSU has the size to play center in the NBA though he is more suited to the power forward position. He is a good scorer with 12.6 point per game on 56% shooting, sound rebounder averaging 7 per game, competent ballhandler, runs the floor well and can play in the open court.

He has a nice face up jumper with range out to 20' and can step out and convert the occasional three point shot. He has the ability to take the ball to the basket with a variety of scoring moves, both up the middle and from the baseline. He is good in both the high and low posts, has good interior footwork, can drop step and hit turnaround jumpers utilizing the glass. He is considered a smart basketball player and is a good passer and ballhandler averaging 2.3 assist per game, though turnovers have been a problem he has cut them down averaging 2.4 for March.

He is a little short on athleticism in terms of jumping ability so he is not a great shot blocker for his size averaging just 1 per game, though he is a competent shot blocker and his best defensive strength may be the intimidation he creates more than what he actually does. He lacks lateral quickness so he is not able to get around defenders for offensive rebounds, but he is a good defensive rebounder where he uses his size and strength to block out. His rebounding, shot blocking and scoring have dropped about 25% due to the emergence of his teammate Stromile Swift. Somewhat a plus as it shows he can be a role player and will not demand to be a star. He is not a good free thrower averaging 59% for the season though he has improved to 67% in March.

Smith came to LSU from an Atlanta junior college and he is considered one of the top 100 players in college. Still a rather unknown player he is over shadowed by his teammate Stromile Swift, though he has managed to get invited to the Desert Classic pre-draft camp. Due to the number and quality of power forwards in this years draft he will more appeal to teams looking for someone to play center, as he has the size and good centers are always in short supply. Expected to be a late 1st round pick he could drop to the second round if one more good power forward or center declares.

His averages per game are 28.5 minutes, 12.6 points, 7 rebounds, 0.8 steals, 1 block, 2.3 assists, 2.6 turnovers, 2.4 fouls, makes 4.6 of 8.2 field goals (56%), 0.4 of 1 three pointers (40%) and 3 of 5.1 free throws (59%).

Scout: Ian McLean