Report: Kansas' Dedric Lawson Plans to Declare for 2019 NBA Draft, Hire Agent

Kansas power forward Dedric Lawson is reportedly planning to hire an agent with the intent of forgoing his senior season with the Jayhawks to enter the 2019 NBA draft.

Jeff Goodman of Stadium reported the update on Saturday.

Lawson spent the first two years of his collegiate career with the Memphis Tigers before transferring to Kansas in April 2017. He sat out the 2017-18 season because of the NCAA's transfer policy.

The 21-year-old Tennessee native's first campaign with the Jayhawks was a rousing success. He averaged 19.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks while shooting 49 percent from the field and 39.3 percent from three, across 36 appearances.

His decision comes after his older brother, Jayhawks guard K.J. Lawson, entered the NCAA transfer portal to explore his options as a graduate transfer.

Although Dedric wasn't prepared to discuss his future after KU was eliminated from the NCAA tournament by Auburn in the second round, Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl offered high praise of the forward.

"Oh, I love Dedric," Pearl told reporters. "He's a pro. He's got an old-school game, scores inside and out. He's got to work a little bit defensively, get a little stronger, move a little bit better, but he's got a great future. I'm happy for him."

He's listed as the No. 66 overall prospect in the projected 2019 draft class by NBAdraft.net.

Lawson would benefit from adding a little more power to his 6'9'', 235-pound frame, but his well-rounded skill set and strong production at Kansas suggests he'll be ready to make a quick impact as a reserve in the NBA.

In turn, it wouldn't be a surprise to see his stock improve throughout the draft process.