Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Must Make Move into the First Round

If the Los Angeles Lakers make a big move this offseason, it may involve the upcoming 2012 NBA draft.

According to Sam Amico of FOX Sports, the Lakers are attempting to move into the first round of next week's draft. Even if Amico is off base in his report, Los Angeles should make it a reality.

"Lakers 'making real push' to get into the first round of the NBA Draft, says Eastern Conference executive," Amico tweeted. "Word is they like the Baylor guys: Perry Jones and Quincy Miller."

As it currently stands, the Lakers hold the No. 60 overall pick—or the last in the second round. Still, a move into the first round—especially if the Lakers are targeting Jones or Miller—wouldn't cost an arm and a leg. 

Chad Ford of ESPN has Jones going No. 19 to the Orlando Magic and Miller at 30 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in his latest mock draft. NBADraft.net has Jones at No. 21 to the Boston Celtics and Miller at 27 to the Miami Heat. 

Moving into that 20-25 range shouldn't take a major trade package from the Lakers' side. 

However, getting either Jones or Miller could help solve the Lakers' lack of athleticism on the wing—a deficiency that Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder exposed time and time again in the Western Conference semifinals. 

Jones, a 6'11" power forward, might have as high a ceiling as any player in this draft. He's long, athletic and can jump out of the building. However, he was passive at times at Baylor, and the production he provided in college simply didn't match up with his overwhelming skill set. 

The Lakers could use Jones as Lamar Odom 2.0, a second-unit player that can play several positions and could be used with the starters when Los Angeles wanted to go big. Jones would certainly need some refining to get to Odom's level, but that possibility exists. 

Miller is a similar player at 6'10", 219 pounds. He can play both the 3 and the 4 and is a skilled rebounder and defender, although he's not quite the athlete that Perry is. However, Miller may be a safer pick in terms of risk and could likely be had later on in the first round. 

Each prospect seems to represent a player that could contribute early on in his career with the Lakers. That's not a huge stretch considering how poor the bench play was for Los Angeles last season. 

In the end, however, the Lakers may have to look to the draft to upgrade their roster.

Lakers executive Jim Buss told the Los Angeles Times that there should be no expectation of big changes this offseason. That includes moving forward Pau Gasol, who has been rumored to be on the block this summer.

"No," Buss told the Times when asked about moving Gasol. "I think changes are going to be made moving Pau lower to the basket. We can improve that way with a change in coaching strategy rather than a change in personnel."

And when asked if the Lakers would make any major trades or free-agent signings, Buss gave another simple answer.

"No," Buss said. 

If Buss is speaking in truth, the Lakers sole avenue for improving their roster next season will be through the draft. That makes a move into the first round even more important, as finding a player that can help out at No. 60 overall is a tough task. 

Jones and Miller both represent options if the Lakers move into the top 25 picks. Given the fact that it wouldn't take a lot in compensation, Los Angeles should pull the trigger.