JUST IN: Could the Lakers nab a late‑round gem in Tamar Bates?
As the June 26 NBA Draft nears, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves without a first‑round pick—but with the No. 55 selection in the late second round. Historically, L.A. has struck gold late (see Alex Caruso, Kendrick Perkins). Enter Tamar Bates, a 6′4″ guard who’s been bubbling up on several mock drafts as a potential Lakers target.
Bates split time between Indiana and Missouri, where he blossomed into a reliable shooter. In his senior year at Mizzou, he averaged 13.3 ppg and shot near 39 percent from 3‑point range . Scouts are intrigued by a pre‑draft process that included standout appearances at Portsmouth and the G League’s Elite Camp—where he reportedly posted 19 points in 22 minutes—and solid performances at the NBA Combine.
Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman told Silver Screen & Roll that Bates “has put himself in the second‑round discussion … He’s an efficient shot‑maker and one of the most efficient finishers among guards in this year’s field.” HoopsHype echoes that, chiming in with praise for his two‑way instincts, spot‑up shooting, and his potential to carve out a rotational role.
Sports Illustrated adds extra weight to the lovefest. Correspondent Nelson Espinal cites Bates’ 37.3 percent career 3‑point mark, efficient finishing (59.3 eFG%), and his positional size—6′5″ with a 6′10″ wingspan—as ideal for L.A.’s backcourt needs alongside LeBron and Doncic.
What’s the fit in purple and gold?
- Floor spacing: With perimeter shooting still a weakness in the postseason, a reliable catch‑and‑shoot threat like Bates would be a welcome addition.
- Efficiency: Nearly 60 percent effective field goal percentage means he’s not just taking shots—he’s making them at a high rate.
- Development upside: Late‑round guards with strong work ethics—proof is in the Lakers’ past hits—can blossom into rotation players or 3‑and‑D specialists.
Risks & questions remain: can he translate his shooting and finishing to the NBA game? Will he contribute playmaking or defensive value consistently? Still, his late‑round price tag and clear strengths make him an appealing “sneaky upside” candidate.
Bottom line: At pick No. 55, Bates checks boxes for what L.A. needs—size, shooting, efficiency, and untapped potential. A solid second‑round selection, he could easily become the Lakers’ next steal.