with almost every forum having its own nba draft thread, i figured why dont we have one. then i got to thinking who are we gonna draft, what kind of player do we need, are we gonna try to trade up etc. i would really like to know what others think will happen for the lakers come this years draft.
The Lakers need to get some athletes in this draft who play defense and above the rim. Herbert Hill Aron Afflalo Jeff Green (would have to trade up for him) Al Thornton (would have to trade up for him) Jared Dudley
Defense. That pretty much sums up what the Lakers need. Interior or perimeter, it really doesn't matter. Our defense has been pathetic and any type of defensive player we can get will help.
<div class="quote_poster">Mamba Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I would kill for Aflalo.</div> Too bad he's an inconsistent player. The guy is like flipping a coin, not knowing what you'll get.
Afflalo is a huge reach if the Lakers draft top 20 though, and it appears that will be the case. he's a great defender but he's not really a great athlete, and his shot is suspect. He might end up being a bit too one dimensional, and his size would only allow him to defend 2's ... I think that Byars kid from Vandy would be a good fit if you're talking perimeter players. He can shoot the rock and he's long enough to defend the wing, 2 and 3.
Do we need more scoring at the guard position, though nMg? You said Aflolo is a solid defender, I'd die for that right now. I've only seen that Byars kid play in the tourney, but damn did he look impressive.
Afflalo is a sensational defender at the college level, but because he's only a marginal athlete, you can't say its a definite that he will be as effective defensively at the pro level. That said, chances are he probably will be a very good defender in the pros .. nonetheless, I dunno, I like Afflalo's D, but I dislike his offense. I could totally see him turning to a Devean George type player for the Lakers, minus the boards ... and I personally couldn't stand Devean. He's sooo streaky, and he can't create his own shot.
<div class="quote_poster">notMuchgame Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Afflalo is a sensational defender at the college level, but because he's only a marginal athlete, you can't say its a definite that he will be as effective defensively at the pro level. That said, chances are he probably will be a very good defender in the pros .. nonetheless, I dunno, I like Afflalo's D, but I dislike his offense. I could totally see him turning to a Devean George type player for the Lakers, minus the boards ... and I personally couldn't stand Devean. He's sooo streaky, and he can't create his own shot.</div> His offense is streaky, but his defense is consistent, which is something this team needs on the perimeter. I agree, Afflalo does have a lot of weaknesses, and you can't predict if his defense will translate to the next level. However, defense isn't predicated on being athletic. It's about being fundamentally sound, conditioned to defend, and having pride in stopping another player. Playing under Ben Howland, Afflalo has it ingraned in his head to play defense. Offensively, he's not going to kill the Lakers, because Afflalo can hit open shots. He's also not afraid to take shots in the clutch. He'd be last on the list of players I mentioned, but I wouldn't mind grabbing him Rnd 2. Afflalo has an NBA body already at 6-5, 215lbs. He could easily add another 10lbs to his frame and matchup against the SG's in the NBA.
