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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

WSU forward Josh Hawkinson will audition for the LA Lakers

Washington State forward Josh Hawkinson hangs on the rim after dunking the ball against Arizona State in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, in Pullman, Wash. (Ted S. Warren / AP)

Former Washington State forward Josh Hawkinson is one of six players who will work out for the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, May 23rd. Hawkinson was a three-year star for the Cougars, ending as the school’s all-time leader in double-doubles (56) and rebounds (1,015).

Hawkinson will see at least one familiar face in L.A., as Arizona product Kadeem Allen is also slated to work out with the Lakers on that day.

As a senior, Hawkinson averaged 15.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, showing off an inside-out game and the ability to stretch defenses with his shooting. He is also valuable at the free-throw line, where he led the Pac-12 in shooting percentage (83.3-percent).

While Hawkinson is not currently projected to be picked in the upcoming NBA draft, which takes place on June 22nd, if he can impress teams in workouts he can change that perception, or at least convince a team to take a longer look at him as a member of their summer team, which could lead to a home in the D-League.

The NBA is a league filled with undrafted stars right now, as guys like Seth Curry, Wes Matthews, Matthew Dellavedova, Joe Ingles and WSU’s own Aron Baynes have turned into valuable players despite going undrafted.