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2020 NBA Draft: TCU Guard Desmond Bane Reveals Positive Interest from Los Angeles Lakers

Published 10/27/2020, 11:30 AM EDT

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As a result of finishing with the third-best winning percentage in the 2019/20 regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers have been handed the 28th overall pick in the upcoming draft. There were speculations on whom they will pick, and there seems to be a winning contender now!

Laker fans can rejoice, as it is almost certain that TCU guard Desmond Bane will sign with the team. The upcoming draft is tentatively scheduled for November 18 and will be held at ESPN’s Bristol, Conn. studios. Are the purple and gold new to the #28 pick? Not at all! 

The Lakers have been awarded the #28 pick twice in their history. The first one came in 1955 when they drafted John Miller, who unfortunately never played an NBA game. Moreover, the second instance was in 2017, when the Lake show signed Tony Bradley, who ended up getting traded immediately. 

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Thus, the #28 draft pick hasn’t seemed to work out for the Lakers till now. But here we are! A new year and a new draft. There are strong connections linking Desmond Bane and the Lakers, but what does the 22-year-old point guard have to say? 

Desmond Bane is extremely positive after developing mutual interest with the Los Angeles Lakers

The NBA is adjusting to the new normal, just like the rest of the world. We just saw the completion of the bubble championship, and furthermore, a virtual WNBA draft! Likewise, the 2020 NBA draft will also be held virtually.

Thus, Desmond Bane had his interview with the Lakers through a call. Bane recently connected with Trevor Lane of ‘Lakers Nation,’ where he detailed on his cheerful call with the franchise. 

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“It went really well. I got a really good feel from the call, and I feel like there was mutual interest in the call,” Bane said

“Unfortunately Rob (Pelinka) and Frank (Vogel) were in the middle of practice so I didn’t get to meet with them, but Mr. Buss (likely Assistant GM and Director of Scouting Jesse Buss) told me that Rob was sending his best regards and that he’s watched a lot of my tape and film, so you know that’s a good thing.”

Even though Bane is on course to finish speaking to all 30 teams in the league, he feels particularly positive about the Lakers. The management seemed interested, and the player, well, who wouldn’t want to be a teammate of the most dynamic duo in the NBA

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“And you know, playing alongside (players) like LeBron and AD, who obviously have won championships and are striving to win more would be a good way to start my career,” Bane added.


Desmond Bane has been one of the better two-way players in the upcoming draft class. His ability to deceive defenders and passing style is a joy to watch. Moreover, he averaged 16.6 points per game while shooting 45.2% from the field in his senior year. Will the Lakers pick him up in the draft? 

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Written by:

Arjun Athreya

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Arjun Athreya is a senior writer at Essentially Sports and has been contributing since early 2020. Having developed an avid interest in sports at an early age, he pursued a Journalism degree and graduated from Madras Christian College. Arjun manages the Golf division and its content, and primarily covers news pertaining to the NBA as well.
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