The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly hoped to select guard Andrew Nembhard with the No. 35 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft but saw the former Gonzaga standout go four spots earlier to the Indiana Pacers, according to journalist Jovan Buha.
Buha said the organization believed Nembhard might slip to its second-round selection, but Indiana claimed him at No. 31. Los Angeles pivoted to Michigan State wing Max Christie, who has since developed into an NBA starter.
Nembhard, 25, solidified his reputation as a two-way contributor by hitting a game-winning shot against the Lakers during his rookie season and helping Indiana reach consecutive postseason runs alongside fellow role players Aaron Nesmith and T.J. McConnell.
Christie, drafted three years younger than Nembhard, logged limited minutes in his first two seasons before earning a starting role under head coach JJ Redick early in 2024-25. He was later shipped to the Dallas Mavericks in the blockbuster deal that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles.
Doncic subsequently signed a multi-year extension, and team sources indicate the Lakers are now more open to absorbing long-term salary—reversing a previous plan to keep cap space clear until 2027, when stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic could reach free agency.
Source: LakersNation.com
