Makai Lemon lists 3 NFL quarterbacks he would want to play with — and more

In a pre-combine interview, USC's Makai Lemon was asked what three NFL quarterbacks he would love to catch passes from.

Here is my ranking of the three quarterbacks he listed, my favorite pick for a quarterback he would dominate with, and my actual prediction for which quarterback he will catch passes from:

1. Caleb Williams

In 2023, Caleb Williams and Makai Lemon were both at USC, but it was not the special connection it would be if the 2 were on the same team again in the NFL. Having that connection prior to teaming up does create an advantage and a better sense of trust. Caleb Williams is a big anticipation thrower, and if he trusts you, that ball is going to come out before you even finish the route. I think that with Lemon's ability to get open and what he can do after the catch, he would be a dangerous weapon with Caleb Williams. Everybody in Chicago would be mad if the Bears took another offensive player, but if Lemon ended up in Chicago, I think he would be their best receiver.

2. Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels has so far had a great connection with Terry McLaurin, a smaller but effective receiver. Lemon fits that bill, and he is cut with the same cloth. I think Lemon could be just like scary Terry with an even higher ceiling. The Commanders' offense is at its best with guys that can make things happen after the catch, and guys that can take the top off of a defense. Makai Lemon would be an 1000 yard reciver year in and year out with Jayden Daniels.

3. Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers would be even more fun if he wasn't currently 42 years old. Lemon has those traits of the former great Packers receivers. Rodgers is accurate as it gets from the quarterback position, and he puts his receivers in great position to succeed. I think had he been in his prime in Green Bay, Lemon would have lit it up with Aaron Rodgers.

My favorite pick - Matthew Stafford

The two best receiver seasons in NFL history have been achieved with Matthew Stafford at quarterback. Matthew Stafford, still at the back end of his career, has helped receivers put up career years. Even if it is for his first 2 seasons in his career, I think Makai Lemon would be the most productive with Matthew Stafford. Mix in the fact that Sean McVay would also be putting him in a great position to be successful. Yeh Makai Lemon would have his best shot at rookie of the year with the Rams.

My actual prediction - Lamar Jackson

The Ravens just hired offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, and he is cut from the same cloth as Ben Johnson. It would make sense that he wants to take the Ravens offense to new heights. Why not bring in a guy who is an Amon-Ra St. Brown clone? Makai Lemon and Lamar Jackson would be must see tv. Lamar has yet to have that super reliable and always open weapon at the receiver position. Zay Flowers is a great recover but he comes with some major flaws. I think Lemon would be just what the doctor ordered for Lamar Jackson, and both guys would dominate this upcoming season in Baltimore.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Makai Lemon names 3 preferred NFL QBs he would want to play with

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Lakers reportedly could battle with Knicks, Warriors for $149 million seven-time All-Star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Los Angeles Clippers’ 34-year-old star forward isn’t set to be a free agent until 2027. 

The two-time NBA champion is in the midst of completing the second year of his three-year $149 million contract extension he inked with the Clippers in 2024, meaning a trade must be completed for him to leave Los Angeles this summer. 

However, Yahoo Sports’ Tom Haberstroh believes there’s a world in which the Los Angeles Lakers could battle the Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks for the two-time NBA Finals MVP’s services this summer.

“Maybe it’s a case where Adam Silver levies some sort of punishment, whether it’s forcing Kawhi Leonard’s contract to be invalidated,” Haberstroh stated last Monday.  And I think that would be one of the things that is on the table, because that is what David Stern did with the Joe Smith cap circumvention with the Minnesota Timberwolves decades ago.”

“The interesting thing on that is it provides a conundrum where I think if Kawhi Leonard is now a free agent, you’re now going to see a frenzy for his services, with the likes of the Lakers, with the likes of the Golden State Warriors, or the New York Knicks."

“They would try to go get Kawhi Leonard at this stage as a free agent. That would create more hysteria and chaos around the league.”

While Haberstroh’s idea is undoubtedly far-fetched, it isn’t completely out of the equation. If it somehow materializes, the Lakers could position themselves to sign the accomplished veteran after striking out on him in 2019 (he entered free agency after winning a title with the Toronto Raptors and eventually joined the Clippers).

Leonard’s two-way dominance when healthy would make him an ideal fit in JJ Redick’s system in Los Angeles. The San Diego State product is contributing 28.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.0 steals per game with the Clippers this season, shooting 49.4% from the field and 38.1% from three-point land in 44 contests. 

If anything, Haberstroh’s report emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring Leonard’s situation in Los Angeles. 

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