Los Angeles Lakers to Host Air Force Guard Ethan Taylor for Two-Day Workout on June 13-14 — 6-Foot-5 Sharpshooter with Strong 3-and-D Potential Draws Attention in Pre-Draft Process

The NBA Draft is a pivotal moment for aspiring professional basketball players, a chance for teams to discover new talent and shape their futures. This year, the Los Angeles Lakers have added an intriguing prospect to their pre-draft workout roster: Ethan Taylor, a 6-foot-5 guard from the Air Force Academy. Scheduled for a two-day workout on June 13 and 14, Taylor’s appearance with the Lakers is generating buzz in basketball circles, with scouts and analysts keenly observing a player who has shown promising 3-and-D skills over his collegiate career.

In this article, we delve deep into who Ethan Taylor is, why the Lakers are interested in him, and what his workout might mean for his chances in the upcoming NBA Draft and potentially his future professional career.

Who is Ethan Taylor?

Ethan Taylor is a 6-foot-5 guard known primarily for his shooting ability and defensive potential, traits highly coveted in the modern NBA. Playing for the Air Force Academy, Taylor distinguished himself as a reliable and efficient shooter, particularly from beyond the three-point line. Over his college career, he attempted nearly 700 three-pointers, converting at an impressive 37 percent clip — a mark that signals both volume and accuracy.

Taylor’s shooting ability is complemented by his defensive instincts, making him a prototypical “3-and-D” player — a label used for players who specialize in perimeter shooting and perimeter defense. This combination has become increasingly valuable in today’s NBA, where floor spacing and defensive versatility are critical to team success.

Taylor’s College Career and Development

Playing at the Air Force Academy means Taylor’s path to the NBA isn’t the typical high-major college route. However, his time there has been marked by steady development and consistent performance. The Air Force competes in the Mountain West Conference, which, while not a Power Five conference, still provides a competitive stage for players to showcase their abilities.

Taylor’s nearly 700 attempts from three-point range underline the trust his coaches placed in him as a primary shooter. Maintaining a 37 percent shooting percentage on that many attempts is no small feat — it speaks to his shooting mechanics, shot selection, and mental toughness.

Beyond scoring, Taylor has demonstrated strong defensive capabilities. His height and length allow him to guard multiple positions on the perimeter, and his discipline and footwork make him an asset in team defensive schemes. His coach often praised his work ethic and leadership qualities, key intangibles that NBA teams value when considering prospects.

Why the Lakers are Interested

The Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise known for blending superstar talent with role players who can fit specific needs, appear to be targeting Taylor for his 3-and-D potential. In the modern NBA, especially on a team like the Lakers that features star scorers such as LeBron James and Anthony Davis, having role players who can reliably space the floor and provide defensive support is essential.

Taylor’s size at 6-foot-5 is ideal for guarding wing players in the league, while his shooting ability offers the spacing the Lakers crave. His proficiency from deep could help open driving lanes for the Lakers’ stars and improve the team’s overall offensive efficiency.

Additionally, the Lakers have a history of successfully developing players who may not be top draft picks but have clear specialized skills. Taylor’s profile fits the mold of a player who could carve out a niche role with proper coaching and conditioning, making this workout an important step for both sides.

The Importance of Pre-Draft Workouts

Pre-draft workouts are a critical phase for both players and teams. For prospects like Ethan Taylor, these sessions are opportunities to demonstrate skills, improve draft stock, and make an impression beyond college tape. For teams, workouts provide a chance to evaluate players in person — assessing athleticism, basketball IQ, coachability, and fit within the team culture.

During these workouts, Taylor will likely be tested on his shooting under pressure, defensive footwork, conditioning, and ability to handle various game scenarios. Lakers’ coaching staff and front office personnel will observe not only his physical capabilities but also intangibles such as work ethic, communication, and mental resilience.

What Taylor Needs to Prove

While Taylor’s shooting and defense are his biggest selling points, there are areas where he will need to impress the Lakers to solidify his chances:

• Athleticism and Mobility: The NBA game is faster and more athletic than college. Taylor must show he can keep pace defensively with quicker, more explosive wings, and stay effective on offense.
• Playmaking and Ball Handling: As a guard, being able to create for himself and others is a plus. Demonstrating competence in handling the ball under pressure will enhance his versatility.
• Basketball IQ and Coachability: Teams want players who can absorb coaching, make quick decisions on the floor, and fit into various systems. Taylor’s ability to communicate and learn will be scrutinized.
• Physical Conditioning: The grind of an 82-game NBA season is demanding. Showing peak physical conditioning and durability is essential.

The Bigger Picture: The Value of 3-and-D Players in the NBA

The role of 3-and-D players has become increasingly important in the NBA. The league’s shift toward pace-and-space offenses emphasizes the need for players who can knock down open threes while playing tough perimeter defense. Teams lacking such players often struggle to contain opposing scorers or to create spacing for their offensive stars.

Players like Klay Thompson, Danny Green, and PJ Tucker have exemplified this role in recent years, showing how impactful a solid 3-and-D presence can be in championship runs. For a team like the Lakers, who are building around superstars in the later stages of their careers, surrounding them with capable role players who excel in these areas is a key to sustained success.

Ethan Taylor’s shooting percentage and defensive size fit the profile of a player who could be valuable in this role. If he can translate his college success to the professional level, he may well become a sought-after role player in the NBA.

Potential Challenges for Taylor

Transitioning from a service academy program to the NBA is no small challenge. Service academy players often face unique obligations and less exposure compared to those from traditional basketball powerhouses. While Taylor’s talent is clear, he will need to adapt to the speed, physicality, and skill level of professional basketball.

Moreover, his path might include starting in the G League or overseas to develop further before securing a guaranteed NBA roster spot. The Lakers’ workout represents an opportunity to accelerate that path, but competition is fierce, and many prospects with similar skill sets are vying for limited roster spots.

The Significance of the June 13-14 Workouts

The timing of Taylor’s workout with the Lakers — June 13 and 14 — is significant. It places him directly in the spotlight during one of the final stages of the pre-draft evaluation period. Perform well here, and Taylor could see his name rise on draft boards or earn a coveted summer league invitation.

For the Lakers, this workout is part of a broader strategy to assess depth options and role players who could complement their star talent. Given the evolving landscape of the NBA and the Lakers’ aspirations to remain competitive, identifying players like Taylor who can fill specific needs is crucial.

What Fans and Scouts are Saying

The buzz surrounding Ethan Taylor’s workouts stems from his shooting ability and defensive versatility. Scouts appreciate his size and willingness to guard multiple positions, while fans are excited about the prospect of adding another sharpshooter to the Lakers’ roster.

Analysts note that Taylor’s 37 percent shooting on nearly 700 three-point attempts signals both durability and reliability — a combination not always present in young shooters. Additionally, his maturity and leadership at Air Force highlight intangible qualities that teams value highly.

Ethan Taylor’s upcoming workout with the Los Angeles Lakers could be a defining moment in his basketball career. As a 6-foot-5 guard with strong 3-and-D potential, he fits the mold of what modern NBA teams covet. His shooting accuracy and defensive skills have made him a player to monitor in this pre-draft process.

While challenges remain in making the leap to the NBA, Taylor’s work ethic, skill set, and opportunity with the Lakers put him in a favorable position. Whether he earns a draft pick, a summer league invite, or a G League contract, his story is one of determination and potential.

For Lakers fans and basketball followers, keep an eye on June 13 and 14. The workouts could unveil the next promising role player ready to make an impact at the highest level of basketball.