Slap the Sign
Fansided

Is V.J. Beachem the perfect fit for the Los Angeles Lakers?

By Noah Strackbein

Jan 7, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward V.J. Beachem (3) reacts after a three point basket in the second half against the Clemson Tigers at the Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame won 75-70. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward V.J. Beachem (3) reacts after a three point basket in the second half against the Clemson Tigers at the Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame won 75-70. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

 Notre Dame alum, V.J. Beachem, is a projected second-round draft pick and could find himself with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Must Read: From Naismith Watchlist to NBA Hopeful

On the boarded of late second-rounder and undrafted sits former Notre Dame star, V.J. Beachem. The 2016-2017 Naismith Award Watchlist player may not have had the best senior season, but his career in South Bend might have been enough to get him drafted.

Out of the 30 teams contemplating calling Beachem’s name, the Los Angeles Lakers could be the best fit. The young squad LA has is quickly coming along, and even if they aren’t ready to compete for the playoffs yet, the potential on this roster is sky high.

Where Beachem fits in this rotation is as a reserve player to provide offense. He has a lot of work to do on his overall game, but as someone to provide quick buckets, Beachem is the answer. For a team like the Lakers who thrive offensively, Beachem is the perfect bench player.

Beachem would play more as an outside shooter at small forward in LA. His 40% career three point shooting percentage shows he’s a reliable threat from outside. With players like Jordan Clarkson, D’Angelo Russell, and what will most likely be Lonzo Ball, Beachem will have plenty of players who can draw attention on the dribble then dish to the outside.

From here, Beachem becomes a factor immediately. Few players in this draft have a nicer shot than Beachem. With some NBA coaching and fine tuning from everyone at the next level, he’ll be a 45%-plus three point shooter.

The intreging part of this is that the Lakers worked out Beachem on May 22. Along with a group of NBA Draft hopefuls, Beachem took the court to show LA that he’s someone they want in the second round.

The Lakers only second round pick is No. 33, which is way too high for Beachem to go. So, if Los Angeles is serious about picking up the former Irish stud, which they should be, they’re going to need to either make a move back into the second round or move back from 33.

How LA will get Beachem won’t be answered until draft night. Nevertheless, they’re definitely looking at him. For a team who’s on the up and up, he should easily be someone they’re considering. Even if he didn’t have the best season last year, he’s got enough potential to learn and grow.

Next: Mike Brey is a Championship away from Elite

As LA gets better, Beachem will too, and he’ll find his place on the team. The Lakers need to consider this, because what the former Notre Damer brings to their team is perfect for what they’re trying to do.