The rest of the NBA beat and bloodied the Los Angeles Lakers last season as they lost 55 games, but the once-great franchise has dragged itself out of that dark alley called the 2013-14 season, and hope sits on the smoggy horizon.
The team remains in shambles for the time being—the Lakers need to add a dozen bodies to the roster and find a head coach (again) as well—but the journey of 1,000 games begins with the first step. That will come with June 26's NBA draft, in which the Lakers pick seventh, not to mention a satisfying conclusion to their coaching search. Rumors abound regarding both matters, but those are distilled here to illuminate the team's likeliest moves.
Draft Rumors
The Lakers have kicked the tires with workouts of numerous guards, including Tyler Ennis, Zach LaVine and Elfrid Payton, but two prospects long predicted to go in the top eight remain the top bets for the Lakers: Julius Randle and Marcus Smart.
L.A. needs a ton of help on the roster. According to ShamSports.com, three players have signed up for the 2014-15 season: Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Robert Sacre. Trading the seventh pick remains a possibility to increase assets, but the Lakers have not been impressed with the return being offered for No. 7.
As ESPN's Chad Ford noted in his June 10 mock draft (subscription required):
The Lakers keep shopping this pick but are struggling to find an All-Star caliber big in return. If the Cavs can't get that type of player with the No. 1 overall pick, the Lakers are probably not getting it at pick No. 7. If the Lakers keep it, they'll want a player who can come in and contribute from day one, and three players—Randle, Smart and Doug McDermott—seem to be the targets.
Creighton forward McDermott became the consensus pick for National Player of the Year and wrapped up...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
