Lakers News: NCAA Standout Wows LA in Pre-Draft Workout

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DJ Burns, the standout center from NC State who captivated audiences during March Madness, recently showcased his talents for the Los Angeles Lakers in a pre-draft workout session.

Despite not receiving an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine, Burns has been diligently refining his skills and physique in hopes of being selected in the upcoming NBA draft.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Burns has shed 45 pounds since his impressive performance in the NCAA tournament, as noted in recent reports and photographs circulating online. The 23-year-old has made it clear in discussions that his weight loss was not aided by the drug Ozempic, but rather through his own efforts.

During the regular season, Burns was a consistent force for the Wolfpack, averaging 12.9 points on 53.1 percent shooting. His performance reached new heights in the postseason, where he led his team to the Final Four, averaging 16.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, while improving his field goal percentage to 62.5%.

Burns' leadership was instrumental in NC State's journey to the ACC tournament championship, a victory that secured their spot in the NCAA tournament. His outstanding play throughout the tournament earned him the title of ACC tournament MVP.

Despite the lack of consensus in many mock draft projections regarding his selection, Burns' physical transformation could significantly boost his appeal to NBA teams. Before his tenure at NC State, Burns had a successful stint at Winthrop from 2019 to 2022, earning first-team All-Big South honors and the Big South Freshman of the Year award in 2020.

Looking ahead, if Burns continues to improve his condition and basketball skills, he is likely to secure a place in a team's summer league roster. From there, the opportunities for advancement in professional basketball are wide open for the South Carolina native.