We asked for it:
Luck
When it was announced that Big Game James Worthy, or J Dub 42, would be at the draft lottery to represent Los Angeles the fans all celebrated and asked, "Bring us some luck Big Game!" Well, typically, nothing is luckier than SEVEN. However, the Lakers, were probably hopeful to come back with a different result: THREE. They did not. The talk-shows went berzerk. Fans were ready to jump off a cliff. A cow jumped over the moon. What? Why? What is Sooo "Turrible "(insert Charles Barkley impersonation) about number 7?
Well, according to channels like, XYQZ, I mean "ESPN LA," The Lakers HAD to have number three and that Coach D'Antoni screwed them out of the top 3 because the team won the last two games. Huh? This draft has gobs of talent in it. I would be envious if I was a competing GM knowing that teams like Boston and Minnesota have multiple picks. It should be very interesting to watch it play out and there's a great chance that we see a lot of movement because of the depth.
It has also been interesting to see and hear what had been a very definitive top 4 in this year's NBA Draft. In no particular order: Wiggins, Parker, Embiid, and Randle (for awhile). This has also changed. Dante Exum, which many Lakers Fans were hopeful would drop to number 7 is now hovering in the top 3. Injuries to Embiid and Randle have changed their fates but by how much? Embiid has slipped from a potential Number One to...well, who knows. One thing is certain: no one wants to be responsible for another Greg Oden on their roster. Julius Randle has also slipped a tad. So, along with players like Aaron Gordon (U of A) and Oklahoma State's Marcus Smart, the Lakers may be looking at a Randle and Embiid at Seven as well. Luck? The Lakers definitely like Joel Embiid, but if he falls to seven will they take the chance?
The Lakers just came off their worst season in LA franchise history with the most number of injuries...ever. Is it wise to select a player that could miss half of the season? Randle was a beast in the NCAA Tourney, but he has a foot problem now. And unless he is the next Karl Malone, move on; the Lakers can aggressively pursue retaining Jordan Hill to ensure a double double PF in their lineup.
Aaron Gordon? Long, athletic, energy, good defense.. is he a power forward or a small forward? THAT is the NBA question. Marcus Smart might crack the top 5 as the "best Point Guard" in the draft. A solid player that is a bigger play-making guard. Some people like McDermott and others like Noah Vonleh who might also be available at number 7.
The best player available versus need approaches: We do know one thing: The Lakers NEED players (they currently have 3 rostered players with a team option on a fourth).
The Spurs won the Larry O'Brien Trophy becoming world champions once again and they could end up drafting UCLA's Zach Lavine with the 30th selection on Thursday June 26, 2014. Keep Reading. It was actually well before the Spurs grabbed the NBA's top team honor that Mr. Lavine declared himself for the NBA. We didn't know then that the Spurs would win the championship, although most knew they had a great shot.
It was in one of the very early Mock Drafts where I had seen Zach LaVine projected at number 30- San Antonio Spurs. I remember remarking to a friend, "The San Antonio Spurs are probably going to win the championship...they are certainly one of THE top teams.. and now they could end up with a highly skilled player like LaVine?!!! WOW! That's how good this draft is!" To take that a step farther, the Pac-12 Player of the Year, Aaron Gordon's teammate and leader of the Wildcats squad, Nick Johnson, was projected early second round.
Since then, the Lakers parted ways with Coach D'Antoni (pause: Celebrate), San Antonio took care of business, the Purple and Gold wound up with the seventh overall pick and LaVine keeps climbing the charts.
The question is, How high will he climb?
He climbed to almost 4 feet(46") in El Segundo in one of his workouts with the Lakers and
in the NBA combine, Zach Lavine posted these numbers:
"LaVine finished in the top five in each category that tested strength and agility drills at the NBA Combine: lane agility time (10.42 seconds, first), shuttle run (2.80 seconds, second), three quarter sprint (3.19 seconds, eighth), standing vertical jump (33.5 inches, fourth) and max vertical leap (41.5 inches, fourth)." ^source http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/14draftprofile_lavine
The Bruins have had a nice run, in recent years, with players entering the NBA draft and being very successful. There are three Bruins in this year's draft and they could all go in the top 20-25. Kyle Anderson is intriguing as a 6-9 PG, however, I did not like that he gave up in the last two minutes v FLA in the tournament. Anderson was subject to discplinary action on several occasions during the year as well so this might play a part as to why he slips a little in the draft. Jordan Adams had been the team's top scorer and has really solid all around game. So, LaVine was really a third or fourth option that came in off the bench and played in the Bruins 2-3 zone defense. With a 6-8" wing span, this kid can cover some ground. He has quicks, athleticism and MAD hops.. Sound like another Bruin? Perhaps not the wingspan, but the other attributes remind one of Russel Westbrook, who LaVine says is one of three guards that he patterns himself after. Remember, Westbrook came back for his sophomore season. You could definitely see the drive, grit, determination, skill and athleticism but he just did not get the playing time or opportunity.
This is a familiar story with LaVine. He played a lot more than Westbrook did as a freshman but LaVine made it clear that he did not like how he was used and bolted to the NBA. Don't let the 9.4 , 2.5, and 1.8 fool you. He only took 7.8 shots per game and shot 44% His range and quick outside shot seem better to me than Westbrook's at the same time. This is a long, lean, athletic combo guard with handles and skills.
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| LUCKY LAVINE ? |
We shall see...
On a side note: it would be ironic that "the Vine" would come in and take the NBA social media #TBT of the year, Kendall Marshall's, job from him. KButter Loves him some Vine productions...
oh, and, that Pac-12 Player of the year? Nick Johnson could jump from the projected 54th spot, +/- and LAND squarely in S.A. Another solid, solid player WILL be available for the reigning champions.
Also, bare in mind that there may be a bust in the top 10 and there is a great chance at players drafted in the latter first round AND through the second that will be better than some in the top 10/ top 15...
For the Lakers, this is just another step in the "purple n gold" dominoes. A piece, or a play, that has to fall before progressing into Free Agency.
1) Extending Mitch
2) Firing D'Antoni (I mean, make D'Antoni resign)
3) Draft Day - Pick #7: Trade? Keep?
4) Coach
5) FAs
