Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Draft Prospects They Should Consider

In recent years, the NBA Draft has not been the source the Los Angeles Lakers utilize for future talent.  Considering they are one of the few teams in the league that have a championship-or-bust reputation, the Lakers have relied on general manager Mitch Kupchak to execute deals that bring in developed and experienced talent.  Trading away their first-round pick in the upcoming 2013 Draft was necessary when completing the sign-and-trade for point guard Steve Nash.

The problem with this, however, is that the current roster is not getting any younger for Mike D’Antoni‘s group.  Scheduled for Thursday, June 27, the NBA Draft will not feature a lot of action from the Lakers.  Only having one pick in this year’s draft (48th overall), they have a few different approaches they could take when it comes to choosing a rookie this season.

1.  Ray McCallum (PG – Detroit)

In many mock drafts that have been available for analysts and fans, one coming from NBADraft.net has the widely underrated Ray McCallum projected to land in the Lakers’ lap with the 48th pick.  Declaring for the draft after his junior season at Detroit, McCallum will probably be the best floor general available as the second round is coming to a close.

Coach Mike D’Antoni will need to utilize his bench more effectively this season. (Photo by Matt Hickey/Flickr.com)

Fans should keep in mind that the only young point guard the Lakers occupy (behind Steve Nash) is Darius Morris.  While Morris has gained experience this season, I believe McCallum could develop into a more productive guard for Los Angeles after Nash’s run is over.

Having nearly the same height and build as Morris, he will surely draw the most comparisons to the current Lakers’ backup.  McCallum had a solid 2012-13 season for Detroit, averaging 18.7 points and 4.5 assists per game. If there is one reason that D’Antoni and the Lakers would take a chance on him, it would definitely be his scoring ability.  Compared with the other point guards this team will see in the remaining draft pool, McCallum will clearly be the one that provides the best offense.  It is not a secret that D’Antoni’s offense favors smaller guards that are scoring threats, which leads me to believe this kid will have his opportunities sooner than later.

2.  Peyton Siva (PG – Louisville)

This is where the draft-day decision for the Lakers could get rather interesting.  Depending on the play style they feel they need the most, either McCallum or Louisville senior Peyton Siva could be the ideal point guard addition.  While scoring and shot-making ability isn’t the most tenacious part of his game, Siva could be the best available playmaker if no other team pulls the trigger on him.  Combined with his experience in Louisville’s recent tournament runs, he would undoubtedly be the most prepared to join the team.  One of the biggest advantages that Siva would bring to the table is his desire to create opportunities for teammates in the paint.  Without a deadly jump shot that teams are going to fear, this type of player would be perfect for D’Antoni to begin focusing more on Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol‘s needs in the post.

In addition to being an unselfish teammate, Siva does exemplify a crafty slasher’s mentality.  Attacking the rim has been his cup of tea through four seasons at Louisville and could provide a spark off the bench for this older roster the Lakers have.  However, before anyone jumps to conclusions on him receiving playing time in his first year, it should be noted that he would have a lot to prove before making noise over current backups Darius Morris and Steve Blake.

3.  Ryan Kelly (PF – Duke)

The more I evaluated Ryan Kelly’s game in his senior season at Duke, the more I figured out he is very comparable to the New Orleans Pelicans’ Ryan Anderson.  Nearly 7-feet-tall, prolific outside shooter and versatile offensive presence are all descriptions that could fit Kelly’s draft profile.  If the Lakers are content with keeping Gasol, retaining Howard and giving it another go-around with D’Antoni calling the shots, it would make perfect sense to add some young size to the roster.  Incorporating Kelly with bench players that are also perimeter specialists (Blake, Antawn Jamison, Jodie Meeks) could create a second unit that could spread defenses tremendously.  Being extremely well-coached in his career with the Blue Devils, I believe Kelly is someone that the Lakers could utilize during the last few years of Kobe Bryant‘s career.  It would be quite intriguing to see Gasol working with the prospect and possibly developing his post game to where it needs to be.

Do I expect the Lakers to select any spectacular player in the upcoming draft?  It doesn’t seem possible after trading away their first-round selection last season.  Nevertheless, nobody should count them out of any trade talks in the near future.  If there is one thing we have learned about the purple-and-gold, it’s that they know how to execute surprising moves on draft day.