Los Angeles Lakers: Should They Take Emmanuel Mudiay?

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Apr 13, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) and forward Ed Davis (21) walk up the court after turning the ball over against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 102-92. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

Emmanuel Mudiay Doesn’t Fill A Need For The Lakers, Who Have Many

While the Lakers have been mentioned as point guard chasers this offseason, they actually are better off at the position than they were a year ago at this time. Jordan Clarkson emerged as a First-Team All-Rookie, and should get a shot to retain his starting gig heading into next year.

Clarkson’s presence is the most glaring reason for the Lakers to bypass Emmanuel Mudiay in the 2015 NBA Draft.

Mudiay has a skill set that could allow him to become the next superstar point guard. Clarkson might not have that ceiling, but he has a similar array of talents.

The Lakers’ biggest needs are on the wing and at center. The starter at small forward last season was Wesley Johnson, while the main guy at center was Jordan Hill. Both players could be free agents this offseason.

There are talented candidates available in the draft to fill every need the Lakers have; particularly at center (Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor) and small forward (Justise Winslow). Even if the Lakers covet a guard to place next to Clarkson, the best fit looks like D’Angelo Russell due to his shooting.

Mudiay looks more like a Clarkson replacement than a complement.

In order to completely disregard the fit of Mudiay in relation to the Lakers’ roster configuration, they would need to be 100 percent sure he’s going to become the first or second-best player in this draft.

Otherwise, passing on players of equal talent — the same players that would fit the core the team has put together — would be an all-time blunder.

Next: Mudiay In Purple & Gold?

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