Los Angeles Lakers: Draft Plans Spark Optimism

By Chris Walton | Apr 5, 2015

Nov 23, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Karl-Anthony Towns (12) reacts toward the bench during the game against the Montana State Bobcats in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Montana State 86-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

You can complain about the Los Angeles Lakers’ current rebuild, harp on lack of big names, and mope about front office debacles including Dwight Howard and Chris Paul. Right now, it all seems to be looking brighter and brighter in part due to the moves made in the draft and shortly after. Lots of credit should come the way of making solid draft picks and scouring the market for young talent.

Whether that has been Ryan Kelly’s surprising contribution, or the emergence of Jordan Clarkson, the Lakers are finding out the value of drafting not only at the top, but in the second round. Julius Randle’s assessment is yet to be composed due to injury. Judging from both his Summer League and preseason, he should definitely be a good fit when healthy.

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This season, the Lakers could go into the draft with a slight stockpile of selections to make. Of course the most coveted and discussed pick lies under protection from the Philadelphia 76ers. This top-five protection will possibly add to the Lakers young core and pave the way for the future. One of their most underrated spots in the draft is the Lakers’ pick gifted from the Houston Rockets via the Jeremy Lin trade.

If they do finish outside the top-five, they will still produce a pick after the first 30 selections around the 34-37 range. On top of that, the Clippers could be sending their pick to their next door neighbors if it falls between the 51-55 positions. As discussed, just like finding a Clarkson or Kelly, the Lakers could make out with similar NBA-ready contributors. The front office will have to continue their good scouting to make a decision.

So where the Lakers start in the draft? The first thing hinges on their positioning. After rumors emerged of the team being enamored with Duke’s Jahlil Okafor, it looks as if Kentucky’s Karl Anthony-Towns is taking over at the top of the team’s draft board. ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne spoke about the franchise’s belief in Towns over Okafor:

"(Karl-Anthony Towns) has the higher ceiling … I’m telling you half the league would pick Karl first. Yes. He has the much higher ceiling. Okafor is the more ready to play guy right now. He’s the guy that’ll help you sooner, faster. Like if (New York Knicks president Phil Jackson) gets the No. 1 pick, he’s probably taking Okafor in New York because he can’t wait around."

Once the team gets the chance to use their Houston pick, they could look to address their small forwards needs in the form of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson from the University of Arizona or Virginia’s Justin Anderson. Both players are the type of utility players that the Lakers would love to bring into the fold. Barring free agency, they could each get a chance to contribute from those spots.

In the second round, the Lakers will have plenty of other intriguing names to choose from. They could look to add bigs like Kentucky’s Dakari Johnson or Washington’s Robert Upshaw. Gary Payton II or Andrew and Aaron Harrison may also be available to add to the team’s backcourt. Thorough evaluations will be made before the team makes a decision. Ultimately, they are in a good spot whether they keep or lose their pick.

The Lakers may just start to rebuild their team, and this team it will be using the good old-fashioned NBA Draft.

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