Lakers News: How Hoops World Feels About New Second Round Draft Pick

Your Los Angeles Lakers appeared determined to head into the NBA draft with a definitive plan of attack for the second round: do whatever it takes to grab Pepperdine forward Maxwell Lewis. That wound up costing them $4 million and the No. 47 pick, as they moved up to select Lewis with the 40th selection in the draft.

Now the people -- both professionals and fans alike -- have spoken!

Los Angeles fan Speak Context, sharing footage of the team's front office calling in the pick, is thoroughly convinced Lewis was an absolute steal, and that assistant coach Phil Handy will bring out the best in him:

I don’t think y’all fully understand what the Lakers pulled off at 40

Maxwell Lewis is a HOOPER

Phil Handy masterclass incoming pic.twitter.com/HmhCQz0Bs4
— ²³ (@SpeakContext) June 26, 2023

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor counts Lewis among the steals of the second round, as well. Sidy Cissoko, who let the record show I also wanted for LA at the time.

My favorite second round picks:

Colby Jones to Kings
Sidy Cissoko to Spurs
Maxwell Lewis to Lakers
Jordan Walsh to Celtics
Leonard Miller to Wolves
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 23, 2023

Fan Deano Martino unpacks the 2022-23 All-WCC 6'7" swingman's positive attributes in a brief Twitter scout:

Maxwell Lewis P40 R2 6’6 207 Ibs WS 7’0 Draft #Lakers #nba

•Crafty Player. • Above Avg ISO Player

• Excellent Corner Shooter • C&S 45%

•Capable 3&D Wing • 40% From 3

Cons

• Terrible away game shooter shot below 25% in the 13 away games played

• Avg 3.5 TO pic.twitter.com/gq46PXl2xZ
— Boiclxtxh (@BoiToClxtxh) June 26, 2023

Another fan praised what he perceived to be Lewis' coachability:

This is what I'm most excited for with Maxwell Lewis. He's a sponge when it comes to learning and pairing him with Phil Handy for a couple years is going to make him an insane player pic.twitter.com/QF2fieUzDL
— 𝕃𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕣 𝔸𝕟𝕕𝕪 🏀🏆x17 (@AChad92) June 25, 2023

This two-minute highlight reel sure makes him look pretty darn explosive and lengthy:

I have watched one video on Maxwell Lewis, it is this one, and I’m very excited. pic.twitter.com/pvSGsA0D1N
— Got ‘Em (@GotEm_Coach) June 23, 2023

One fan, in what can only be described as the reach of all time, noted that Lewis was selected amidst a commercial break, just like the current best player in the NBA:

Maxwell Lewis drafted during a commercial just like Jokic 😭#TalkSoon #IsMySpotSaved? pic.twitter.com/pxwSwaGtYy
— ً❼ (@CookedByLakers) June 23, 2023

Lewis' athleticism, passing and shooting were highlighted here:

Film Work on Maxwell Lewis
Things that impact the lakers:

Elite scorer on 1v1 possessions
Elite Catch and Shooter ( shot 43.1% )
Freak Athlete
Great Perimeter and Inside Defense with wingspan / Great Contest
Great Hands / Loves those Passing Lanes pic.twitter.com/iWWPvOPKH0
— TY DOUBLE🪃 (@DaTruthHurtss) June 25, 2023

We can't wait to experience Lewis donning the purple and gold for the first time in Summer League, which will kick off on July 3rd.

Across 31 contests in 2022-23, his second collegiate season, Lewis averaged 17.1 points on .468/.348/.787 shooting splits, 5.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.8 blocks.

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