2015 Nba Draft Discussion: Russell, Nance Jr., Brown

We don't know he hasn't as well. He's also been kicked off of two programs for various reasons. If it's the 2nd round pick where the contracts aren't guaranteed, and he's there with our 34th pick, I might be able to be talked into it. Maybe.

 

If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it must be a duck.

 

Earvin Magic Johnson✔@MagicJohnson
Laker Nation: We want to bring Coach Scott some luck in NY on Tuesday so wear your Purple & Gold! I will have my Lakers gear on all day!

I'm wearing a Lakers sweatshirt that day; screw it. I'm obsessed over this lottery...

 

Tuesday is going to be a rough one. I won't be able to relax at all that day.

 

Yup. Agreed. I've been waiting for this day for a long, long time. This is reality television at its finest for us fans. I'm prepared for any outcome, though. Celebration or depression here I come once we find out the results...

 

Same here. I may have to sit in the corner of my house and keep repeating to myself "it's just a game" for a while if we do lose the pick.

 

LMAO. Did you know the Lakers interviewed Russell at the combine? Wednesday, I believe. I didn't know that. I had to look it up. So, the three players they interviewed that I heard of were WCS, Winslow, and Russell. I don't think Okafor, Mudiay, or Towns attended the combine...

 

Yeah, I think I did read that somewhere. I also believe one of those guys has our board with Russell third right now behind Towns and Okafor. Its interesting because I honestly think we will be in good shape with any of those guys. I can see where pretty much all of them will fit in and help us.

 

NBA Draft 2015: Lakers have limited draft options with the Rockets' late first-round pick
http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2015/5/17/8616877/la-lakers-draft-nba-houston-rockets-first-round

 

Russell to me with the top 5 pick would be asinine when we need a talented big to protect the rim first and foremost and a great new 3 as well. His box of skills aren't an area of greatest need. Unless he was a pit bull on defense as well. He's not athletic enough or tough enough to be a great defender is he?

 

This is what will happen Lakers Draft emmanuel or russell

Draft justin Anderson with the 27th pick

then draft Robert upshaw with the last pick.

And bingo was his name Oh!

 

I've gone over my thoughts on Russell more than enough in this thread at this point. Lol. I would welcome the kid with open arms. With his shooting and passing, I think he and Clarkson would be a great backcourt.

I'm high on Winslow as well though. But I believe its easier to get a wing that an elite pg or big man.

 

I would be very content with that.

 

We're not drafting by team needs or at least I hope; we're draft the best player available. We need talent period. If Towns and Okafor are off the board and the Lakers front office has the number 3 pick, and they deem Russell the 3rd best player/prospect in this draft, you take him. They'll be some Centers and Wings available this free agency.

By the way, if we go Center, we're still going to need a Wing; if we go Wing, we still potentially need a Center and a Point Guard. Yes, I know Clarkson can be our point guard, but I prefer dual initiators in our offense. Not only that Russell and Clarkson could provide the unique ability to both be fantastic spotting up, cutting, initiating through dual pick in roll situations, etc.

Defensively, it's a concern. Nevertheless, with Clarkson developing some added weight, I'd throw him at the 2 against stronger guards, and I'd place Russell guarding the PG position. At that position, while guards may be quicker than Russell, they won't overpower him and he could use his length (6-9 1/2) to defend against them. I'd like to see him gain more weight, though.

 

He does fill one specific need: shooting

But I agree with @RandleROFY we have to draft based on best talent available. It's not like we're competing for a title next season. We are in a rebuilding phase, so it's time to stack up assets. I think we get too carried away sometimes playing fantasy GM, trying to fill out the roster perfectly.

And with Kobe likely retiring, we need a quality guard in the very near future.

 

I really really really hope we just take the best players available when we pick and don't overthink this.

 

We'll be fine. With Ryan West and Mitch overseeing this entire process, we're in GREAT hands One of the best GM's in basketball with an up and coming scout who's father is Jerry West. We're good to go if we keep that pick on Tuesday.