Los Angeles Lakers Should Think Perimeter In NBA Draft

By Chris Walton | Mar 29, 2015

Jul 29, 2014; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak at press conference to announce Byron Scott (not pictured) as coach at press conference at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Historically, the Los Angeles Lakers have always had their share of talented big men at the peak of their NBA careers. The list includes a host of Hall of Famers, including George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabaar and Shaquille O’Neal. Even Dwight Howard’s brief stay in Holllywood exhibited the teams knack for building from the interior.

Some of these players captivated fans with their charisma (Chamberlain, O’Neal, and at times, Howard), while others were less eccentric, but still beloved for their unmatchable contributions (Mikan and Abdul-Jabaar). Given their roster, it may be time that Los Angeles builds from the perimeter again.

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Despite how well the Lakers have acquired big men and accumulated success, the team has also had some of the best guards to ever play the game. Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant have all carried the Lakers torch.

Johnson and Bryant are arguably known as the greatest Lakers of all-time, coming to the team as younger players mixed in with established veterans. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if the team decided to focus on building from the perimeter going into the future.

There are so many talented players that play the point guard, shooting guard, and small forward positions in the league. When you think of those guys, you think of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and James Harden. There may not be that type of player in the 2015 NBA Draft, but there are a solid number of prospects playing in those spots.

In no particular order, players from D’Angelo Russell, Mario Hezonja, Stanley Johnson, and Emmanuel Mudiay are all players to consider in the top-five selections. The Lakers have holes in all of their perimeter rotation, needing as much depth and talent that the draft has to offer.

It would definitely be a franchise-changing move to acquire Jahlil Okafor or Karl-Anthony Towns, but both players are likely to be off the draft board, if the Lakers stand pat with the fourth-worst record in the league.

The Lakers haven’t developed a capable wing player since Kobe Bryant. The closest player that they’ve decided to put their stock in is current rookie, Jordan Clarkson. In their current state, it seems more feasible to look to te NBA Draft to acquire the talent they need for success.

The free agent market is literally hit or miss next season. Lakers Nation writer, Corey Hansford touched on the team’s direction:

"First, the Lakers need to find a long-term cornerstone and that is more likely to be found in the draft than free agency. Second, the draft comes much cheaper. Getting a hit in the draft doesn’t sacrifice the cap space that a major free agent would.Both will play a major role in the Lakers getting back to championship contention, but with multiple picks, the draft has to be the Lakers’ biggest focus and will be most important in the rebuild this summer."

Not too many names ae available at any significant perimeter position, and it further strengthens the need for Los Angeles to make good use of their draft picks (fourth, 27th, 34th possibly). The team could chase big men like Marc Gasol, DeAndre Jordan or Omer Asik in the summer. Those players are apart of the “hit” list of free agent signings.

For now, it’s all about foundation, and like many successful young teams, the Lakers should look to the draft and find a young star for their backcourt.

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