Are we going to do anything? Sell our pick or package it with one of our expiring contracts? Just wondering. :O Picks: #29 #42 (from Bobcats) #59
Lakers on Draft Day Phew! It's been FOREVER guys. This is Lakerman34, with a little switch on the User ID. We need defense, and a point guard. I personally love Brandon Jennings and Ty Lawson. Any chance of us trading up in this draft? Also, I'm sorry, DFish hit BIG shots in the Finals, I think it's time for him to hang up the jersey. Because he is such a "class act" and a locker room guy, maybe offer him an assistant coaching job.
Re: Lakers 09 draft day? Merged the two threads. Yeah, I doubt we trade up on draft day. I think that is about 0%. Welcome back, though.
Re: Lakers 09 draft day? I think we should bail on Farmar and Sasha, and get another backcourt player.
Re: Lakers 09 draft day? How's Kirk Hinrich looking? I know he'll be up for bids this summer. not sure if we can get him, but just a thought.
Re: Lakers 09 draft day? I've heard a few rumors prior to the season ending. The Lakers were open to the idea of shopping the pick & Farmar for a PG, however the emergence of Shannon Brown might have changed this option. Farmar also said this experience really humbled him and he fully understands the importance of "team." He said he was really down on himself and frustrated with the lack of play and poor production he was giving the team at the end of the season, but after going through the post season, watching, and absorbing everything his perspective has completely changed. The Lakers have some tough decisions this summer facing the PG rotation. Derek Fisher is still signed on for another season and should be the starter, but will probably see a reduction in minutes. His leadership in the locker room is something you can't replace. Jordan Farmar is also signed for one more season, but is looking for an extension. I think the last day the Lakers can reach an extension with him before he becomes a restricted free agent is Oct. 31st. If the Lakers don't extend him by then he's likely going to be traded. If the Lakers draft a PG it doesn't mean Farmar won't be on the team next season. Shannon Brown is probably going to be priced out of the Lakers budget. He should be able to command $2.5M to $3M from another team after winning a championship and showing everyone his potential. Unless the Lakers make a move to free up cap space via trade I don't see Brown returning. It's a shame that Sasha's overpriced contract could cost us Brown. Makes me sick just thinking about it. The Lakers will probably sell the pick or trade down into the 2nd round since those contracts are not guaranteed. Another possibility is drafting an overseas player and stashing them there, while retaining the player's draft rights.
Re: Lakers 09 draft day? I don't want to wait for Farmar to get better again, I don't want him signed to an extension. He's inconsistent and we need a much surer bet at the PG position. I think he's gone.
Re: Lakers 09 draft day? I think we could sell Ammo's expiring contract to a team looking to clear up a little extra cap space for next summer. That could give us the money to retain Brown.
Re: Lakers 09 draft day? It's going to be all about timing this summer for the Lakers. If Brown is willing to wait for the Lakers to make room for him it would be great, but if a team offers him what he's looking for before the Lakers can get something done he's likely gone. Teams aren't going to go out of their way to help the Lakers either. I don't want to extend Farmar either, but I don't mind keeping him another season. He's cheap for what he brings to the team and has experience in the Triangle. He'll be motivated to play well in hopes of a long term deal. The Lakers hold all the cards in regards to Farmar.
Re: Lakers 09 draft day? Will we just end up selling the first round pick in order to sign our guys? I hear Wayne Ellington thrown out by some. I don't know much about this year's draft class though. :[
Re: Lakers 09 draft day? Ellington would fit the Lakers very well, good shooter, here's a thing I did on him: College: North Carolina Position: SG Height: 6'5'' Weight: 190 lbs. Date of Birth: 29/10/1987 NBA Comparison: Francisco Garcia 2008-09 Stats: 15.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 48.3% FG, 41.7% 3FG, 77.7% FT Key Strengths Excellent Jump Shot Great off screens Good Foul Shooter Did well in few opportunities Good athlete Key Weaknesses Frail Need to add strength Lack of Free Throw Attempts Low amount of possession in college makes it hard to dictate NBA role Can not create own shot Outlook: Ellington comes into the draft as a player would could go in the late 1st, early 2nd rounder. And really, it all depends on fit for a team. Ellington is a player who can flat out score, but, unlike most players who combine shooting with driving ability, Ellington is a pure scorer, using just his jump shot. Ellington, the 2009 Final Four MOP, has an excellent stroke from the outside and has NBA type range. He is great off screens and if Ellington finds himself in a half court offense that needs a shooter, Ellington can fit that role nicely. Ellington's short comings are a major question mark. Ellington is very skinny and does not attack the basket like most guards with his skill level do. Although he did well in his few attempts at UNC, it's hard to judge how he will do in the NBA because of this. He has troubles creating his own shot. Wayne could be a good NBA player, but his skills could work better in Europe, unless a team (maybe Lakers) find a good spot for him in which all he needs to do is play a few minutes and hit shots. The video below proves how great he is coming off of screens [video=youtube;YszIA_4kIZA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YszIA_4kIZA[/video]
Re: Lakers 09 draft day? This draft class is really weak. I'd love if Terrance Williams or Earl Clark fall to us.
Re: Lakers 09 draft day? You're probably right, but this draft is unpredicatable because there's not much seperation in talent and team's are financially strapped. I want the Lakers to draft another versatile big or an athletic wing player. They really need to find someone capable of backing Kobe up.
