2017 NBA Draft: 3 underrated options for Los Angeles Lakers at No. 28

Semi Ojeleye

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

If you're looking for a few underrated options the Los Angeles Lakers could consider at No. 28 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, you've come to the right place.

It may not seem like it, but this offseason is a huge one for the Los Angeles Lakers. Not only is free agency going to be critical for the continued improvement of this roster, but making wise decisions during the 2017 NBA Draft will also be imperative.

We already have a good idea of how Magic Johnson will use the No. 2 overall selection. Whether it's Markelle Fultz or Lonzo Ball, the Lakers should find themselves a budding star near the top of the draft. That's why there's been significant conversation about how Los Angeles should use their other pick at No. 28 overall.

I've already covered some of the popular options and some dream targets for the Lakers' late first-round selection. Now I've decided to take a different angle by focusing on some underrated prospects who may not seem like logical options at No. 28.

A late first-round pick may not seem all that important. However, when you look back on history, it's recently been a relatively fruitful area of the draft for the Lakers. Their last two selections in the 27-32 range have yielded Larry Nance Jr. and Ivica Zubac, both considered valuable building blocks for this franchise.

That's why it's of the utmost importance for the Lakers to make the most of the No. 28 overall pick. There should be plenty of high-upside players available, and these three following prospects all fall into that category. Maybe Los Angeles will be lucky enough to land one of them on June 22.

Josh Hart

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Josh Hart, SG, Villanova

It's rather surprising to see how Josh Hart, one of the 2017 draft class' more intriguing scorers, continues to fly under the radar. It's even more surprising when you see that Draft Express currently has the Villanova shooting guard ranked as their No. 50 prospect.

What I really like about Hart is his ability to shine on both ends of the court. Not only is he a tremendous shooter, but he does a great job of making plays on defense as well.

Throughout his four seasons at Villanova, Hart never connected on less than 50 percent of his field goals. Although his three-point percentage wavered from year to year, he finished his college career with a 38.9 percentage from deep. His 18.7 points per game as a senior, though, should tell you that he's more than capable of contributing on offense.

As for defense, he offers tremendous effort and physicality on that end. He's a tenacious defender, and is always working hard to put himself in position to win. The 1.5 steals per game he chipped in during the 2016-17 campaign certainly helped his case. As we all know, the Lakers could use a defensive boost after last season's pitiful showing.

Will Hart be a star at the next level? That's not likely. However, considering his current skill set, I could definitely see him developing into a quality 3-and-D shooting guard sooner rather than later. Seems like a solid way to spend the No. 28 overall pick, if you ask me.

Semi Ojeleye

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Semi Ojeleye, SF/PF, SMU

While not ranked as low as Hart (No. 28 by Draft Express, actually), Semi Ojeleye hasn't been talked about nearly as much as his talents warrant. That's why he's the next name on this list of underrated players the Lakers must be looking at.

Now Los Angeles doesn't necessarily have a need at forward right now. Brandon Ingram should be the future on the wing, and the potential addition of Paul George next offseason is only going to further crowd the position. The 4-spot is also set with Julius Randle and Nance. However, that doesn't mean some exciting new options wouldn't be welcomed.

Enter Ojeleye, a severely underrated talent out of SMU.

Ojeleye has so many different things going for him. He's a ridiculous athlete who can score in so many ways. The former Mustang is a tremendous jump shooter who has no trouble putting points on the board from outside. If the space isn't there, he can put the ball on the floor and find his way into the paint. Then there's the defensive effectiveness, and the fact that he's a quality character off the court.

Put simply, he's the whole package. Yet his long road to relevance and standing as a 22-year-old rookie have forced his stock to stay stagnant. However, if he's still on the board when the Lakers pick at No. 28, there's little reason to believe he wouldn't be a tremendous addition. The versatility, scoring potential and defensive prowess make him an exciting option for Los Angeles.

Jordan Bell

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Jordan Bell, PF, Oregon

There seem to be a lot of mixed opinions on Oregon's Jordan Bell. It makes sense considering his tweener status at 6-9, 225 pounds and raw offensive game. However, when you watch this kid play, it's hard to imagine him not becoming at least a quality contributor at the next level.

As you've probably figured out by now, I've put much of my attention on players who can help the Lakers defensively. Last season, the team finished 28th in points allowed per game, which obviously played a big part in them finishing with a 26-56 record.

Drafting a Bell would certainly help on the defensive end. Using his impressive athleticism and instincts, he wreaks havoc as a paint protector. He has a knack for blocking shots, using his relentless motor and impeccable timing to turn back opposing shooters. When he isn't racking up blocks, he's cleaning the glass with ease, as evidenced by his 8.7 rebounds per game a season ago.

Yes, his offensive game is still a work in progress. He's never going to be a dominant scoring force, but knows how to make an impact on defense and on the boards. His athleticism also allows him to guard almost every spot on the floor, a rare type of versatility for a big man.

In my opinion, Bell has the potential to develop into the next Draymond Green. His effort is contagious and his heart shows out on the court. Just watch the Ducks' action during the 2017 NCAA Tournament if you need more proof. The Lakers could use a versatile big man like that who can shine no matter what he's asked to do.