Hoops Habit
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: 4 NBA Draft Questions

By Jackson Sanders

Jul 24, 2014; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak during a press conference at theToyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 24, 2014; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak during a press conference at theToyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
May 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game six of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Warriors defeated the Grizzlies 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Will The Los Angeles Lakers ‘Draft-And-Stash’?

If the Los Angeles Lakers really don’t want to roster a bunch of new young players next season, they may consider going the “draft-and-stash” route. This would allow the Lakers to keep the open roster spot — and save money — without actually having to find a trade partner.

The most notable example of Mitch Kupchak drafting a player that stayed overseas instead of joining the team is the selection of Marc Gasol in the 2007 NBA Draft. Gasol ended up being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies — part of a package for his older brother Pau — in Feburary 2008, and made his first NBA appearance the next season.

Marc Gasol has gone on to become an All-Star and All-NBA player; not too shabby for the 48th overall pick.

Of course, it doesn’t always work like that. Some players that get drafted in this manner never make it over to the NBA, but it’s a choice that has yielded some successful results. Nikola Mirotic of the Chicago Bulls was a “draft-and-stash” guy, as was Ricky Rubio of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

If the Lakers go this route, it certainly changes the way they compose their roster. Instead of another young player, they will need to pursue veterans in free agency to fill the roster spot.

It’s safe to assume the decision will be largely based on the trade market and who is available when the team picks, but it’s something to watch for on draft night.

Next: Veteran Help?

Home/Los Angeles Lakers