The #7 pick

[Shaqdaddy11]

We'd probably be better off looking for a PG in 2015

 

[trojanfan12]

He's also going to be wanting $13m a year. Which would almost be agreeable if we didn't have Nash on the books.

See what happens after the draft. If we end up with Smart, like a lot of mock drafts predict, there isn't even any point mentioning him again.

I agree that $13mil with Nash on the books would be a bit tough to swallow, but Nash is only on the books for 1 more season and the Lakers have never been afraid of the cap. Then, they will still have the money to add a max FA for 2015 and possibly add another max FA or 2 in 2016 when Kobe retires.

Probably the most interesting aspect of all of this is that with so few players actually signed, the Lakers can go in virtually any direction they want with this team.

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

Probably the most interesting aspect of all of this is that with so few players actually signed, the Lakers can go in virtually any direction they want with this team.

We'll know more about which direction this team is going for once we sign a new head coach.

 

[Retroram52]

When we select a guy with the 7th pick, he has to have at least this:

[YOUTUBE]epaVRf-3K1o[/YOUTUBE]

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

Nice video, retro!

I think one of the more important jobs is to re sign Swaggy P. We need someone to lead the bench.

 

[trojanfan12]

Agree with you both retro and Shaqdaddy, Swaggy P should be among the first FA's that the Lakers look to sign.

 

[Retroram52]

I got stoked watching it Shaqdaddy. Sort of a great beginning to a big sports week-end. Swaggy can light it up when he is not injured and we need to re-sign this guy ASAP.

 

[Retroram52]

Also, I watched 30 for 30 last night on ESPN. They had the story of the 1986 through 1991 Pistons rise to glory and then being replaced by the Bulls. Of course it covered the Lakers' back-to-back against the Pistons in the late 80's with Riles as the HC and all those Lakers stars. It was fun to watch that team again.

 

[tomodach10]

My only problem with Smart is his a horrible shooter & has a bad attitude. Honestly I prefer staying away from him.

Me too. He seems to have bust written all over him. When he played good teams, he was shut down.

 

[wildturkey]

My only problem with Smart is his a horrible shooter & has a bad attitude. Honestly I prefer staying away from him.

That's my assessment of him as well. He came back to school specifically to work on his jump shot to improve his stock. It didn't improve at all. That's a red flag right there to me because it stands to reason that he didn't bother to put in the work. Shooting can be taught. People mentioned Rondo so I'll use him as an example. He was awful as well and he's now up to a respectable level. So maybe you can teach Smart as well but it makes me cautious that a guy knows his weakness, claims he's going to work on it, and shows no improvement.

Plus, I'm not even convinced Smart is much of a PG. He seems more like a small SG. So much of his game at OSU was just sheer athleticism. He didn't really seem to show much court vision or basketball IQ. He reminds me more of a poor man's Russell Westbrook. That's not a good thing. Because Westbrook can get away with his short comings because he's an elite athelte. Smart isn't. If Westbrook is 10, Smart is like a 7. I'd much rather have Vonleh, Randle, or Gordon at that pick. And if they aren't there, I'm exploring every trade option.

 

[wlk3]

Sorry I've been gone and thanks for the assist on Rondo Trojans... See what I did there, alright not that cool... But seriously I'm not against drafting anybody but the question is what is the purpose of signing Kobe now if not to win now... NOT 1 rookie even if we got our choice would give this team a chance... As much as I laughed at how Kobe didn't guard Rondo, it's not his jumper we need... You surround him with Ariza who has proven to knock open 3s just ask the Lakers, you got Hill who will always move for Rondo, Pau who can pick-n-roll ala Rondo Garnett, Kobe to dump the ball to, and Swaggy off the bench then Sacre and Kelly are Pau/Hill in reverse and Marshall steps in and the roles stay the exact same... That's our best shot IMO... That or tank or go after Bledsoe or Chalmers... Bottom line we NEED defense at the pg and sf and a spot up shooter at either spot... And draft picks are tomorrows answer the Lakers have always been a today team...

 

[Retroram52]

I like the Ariza signing wlk3. They should get him in here as soon as the coach is hired. You have a valid point with the Kobe signing. Kobe is going to have to adjust his game and whether he likes it or not, he is going to be a part of the rebuilding process. The Lakers aren't going to be championship ready in two years and if he starts to fussing, I think they may oblige him and send him to N.Y. or OKC or someplace he believes he is going get his sixth ring. I think Kobe and Nash are eventually going to surrender to the notion that Ftime always has the last say in the matter. Nash moreso than Kobe this coming year but sooner or later, Kobe will have to agree as well.

 

[Black Adam]

Me too. He seems to have bust written all over him. When he played good teams, he was shut down.

yep...

go Randle. that'd be MY ...unless by some major miracle the Lakers can somehow trade up in the draft, or somehow Embiid doesn't get picked...

 

[Retroram52]

Do you think Voneleh is a better player Chiefslakers67?

 

[Black Adam]

Do you think Voneleh is a better player Chiefslakers67?

not imo. just thinking the upside is better with Randle. good offensive skill set and all too...

guess we'll see how it goes...

 

[lakersrule]

Do you think Voneleh is a better player Chiefslakers67?

I like Vonleh better than Randle. Randle is more NBA ready, but I think Vonleh has more upside. I don't think he falls to #7, but I would draft him if he did.

Embiid, Wiggins, Parker, Exum go 1-4. The next tier is Vonleh, Gordon, Smart, and Randle. I think Vonleh is the best of those four.

 

[erckm510]

Maybe Exum pulls a Kobe and he somehow falls to the Lakers

But I wouldn't hate it if they get Smart, Vonleh, Randle or Gordon. That's why I didn't mind the Lakers dropping to 7. Embiid is the guy who has the best upside and talent but I don't see too much of a difference between the next 7 guys.

 

[wildturkey]

I actually think Vonleh is better than Randle in both respects (ready now and more upside). Their PPG and rebounds are pretty close together. But what separates Vonleh is two things; he's got the wingspan of a 7 footer and he can shoot. Randle is basically limited to the restricted area. Vonleh's range stretches out to 3, where he shot 48%. I think both will be good NBA players but Vonleh is the better prospect.

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

In Mitch we trust

 

[Retroram52]

I actually think Vonleh is better than Randle in both respects (ready now and more upside). Their PPG and rebounds are pretty close together. But what separates Vonleh is two things; he's got the wingspan of a 7 footer and he can shoot. Randle is basically limited to the restricted area. Vonleh's range stretches out to 3, where he shot 48%. I think both will be good NBA players but Vonleh is the better prospect.

This is why I like Vonleh. I agree Turkey.