There are teams in a rebuild, sure. Some, such as the New York Knicks, already have a superstar in place (Carmelo Anthony) and a mastermind running the operation (president Phil Jackson). Other teams tout an insane amount of talent, such as the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Then there are the Lakers.
General manager Mitch Kupchak and Co. are in unfamiliar territory via a traditional rebuild. By draft's end, the team figures to feature a pair of top-five rookies acquired over the past two years and a fading superstar.
Or the front office could blow it all up with plenty of trade assets and revert back to instant-gratification mode.
Time reveals all, with the Lakers faithful left with nothing to do but gnaw at fingernails and keep up with news. Here's the latest.
Lakers Going All-in on Draft
Is this doing their due diligence or sheer insanity?
With three picks in the draft, one at No. 2 and each coming no later than No. 34, most expected the Lakes to make the rounds with prospects, especially in such a deep class.
Still, when Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times throws down official numbers, it's a bit staggering: "Over the past few weeks, the team has auditioned roughly 80 candidates at their practice facility in El Segundo."
As in, the Lakers sat around with their feet up while a whopping 80 prospects came to them. This includes Duke center Jahlil Okafor, Ohio State guard D'Angelo Russell and international sensation Emmanuel Mudiay. This seems familiar territory at this point. Los Angeles wouldn't mind a forward to pair with Julius Randle, but a guard to run the offense wouldn't hurt, either.
It's interesting, though, because of the prospects Los Angeles interacted with twice when it comes to workouts, it only left ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
