2024 NBA Draft: Lakers Make History in Forgettable Second Round

Day 2 of Draft Concludes with Record-Breaking Selection

The 2024 NBA Draft concluded its second round on Thursday, making history in the process. The Los Angeles Lakers became the first team in league history to select a player from the G League Ignite with the No. 35 overall pick, marking a significant shift in the league's scouting and selection strategy.

Historic Rise of G League Prospects

The selection of Scoot Henderson by the Lakers highlights the growing prominence of the G League as a feeder system for the NBA. Henderson, a 6'2" point guard, averaged 18.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game for the Ignite during the 2023-24 season.

Henderson's selection is a testament to the increasing talent level in the G League and the league's commitment to providing alternative pathways to the NBA. It remains to be seen whether other teams will follow the Lakers' lead and invest more heavily in G League prospects in the future.

The second round of the 2024 NBA Draft featured several other notable selections, including:

• The Detroit Pistons traded the No. 46 pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for cash considerations, marking the first trade of the second round.
• Bronny James, the son of NBA legend LeBron James, was selected with the No. 62 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
• International prospects continued to dominate the draft, with players from France, Canada, and Australia all being selected in the second round.

The 2024 NBA Draft will officially conclude with the announcement of the second round selections at 3 pm EST.