2012 NBA Draft Results: Why Robert Sacre Is Perfect for Tinseltown

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After seeing the first 59 picks come and go, the Los Angeles Lakers finally drafted the man they wanted.

Robert Sacre, a senior from Gonzaga, will have an immediate impact on the Lakers with his will to win and his energetic personality.

With so much trade talk about Pau Gasol floating around the Prudential Center on draft night, the Lakers covered their backs by drafting a 7-footer with the final pick of the night.

Although he won't be a starter right away, Sacre has the skills and the right attitude that it takes to be an essential piece to the Lakers' success.

Consistent Scorer

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During his senior season at Gonzaga, Sacre averaged nearly 12 points a game.

He came out of the gates on fire, scoring at least 15 points in the Bulldogs' first nine games of the season. Although his production dipped a bit towards the middle of the year, he closed out the season with 17 points against then No. 18 Saint Mary's.

He kept on rolling as the Zags dominated West Virginia in the second round of the NCAA tournament by scoring 17 points while shooting 6-of-9 from the field.

With Pau Gasol's future in L.A. still up in the air, Sacre will most likely come off the bench once the season starts.

His presence as a backup will be crucial for the Lakers if they want to make a deep run in the postseason.

Adds to the Lakers' Length

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If Pau Gasol stays in L.A. next season, the Lakers will have three 7-footers on their roster.

At his point in time, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the only team in the Western Conference with that much length.

Sacre was inconsistent in the rebounding department last year, but L.A. will take advantage of his 7', 260- pound frame. If Gasol or Andrew Bynum need a rest, the Lakers will be able to throw another huge center under the basket.

Not many teams have that luxury.

He's Used to Winning

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Coming from a great basketball program like Gonzaga, Sacre isn't used to losing. Luckily for him, he was drafted by a team that's won 16 NBA championships.

When players are accustomed to winning in college, making the transition to a losing team in the NBA can alter their performance on the court.

Sacre made the NCAA tournament every year while at Gonzaga, and although he never made it very deep in the Big Dance, he's no stranger to the postseason.

Every season, the Lakers are one of the favorites to win it all, something Sacre will definitely be able to get used to.

His Personality

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For the last two years, the Lakers have looked downright boring in the postseason. With the exception of a disgruntled Kobe Bryant shaking his head at the officials, L.A. has shown no emotion in the playoffs.

Sacre, along with his tattoos and outgoing personality, can be the spark that gets the Lakers excited when it matters most.

"The guy just works and works and brings enthusiasm. He’s just been a joy to coach," Gonzaga head coach Mark Few said about Sacre to the Boston Globe.

Enthusiasm is something the Lakers needs more of, especially if they want to hang with the young and exciting teams in the Western Conference.

Decent Free Throw Shooter

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One of the major flaws with too many big men in the NBA is that they are horrible behind the charity stripe. Everyone remembers "Hack-a-Shaq" right?

Sacre was an 82 percent free throw shooter during his junior year and was a 76 percent shooter during his senior year.

L.A.'s big men are already very good from behind the line, but if Gasol or Bynum has to come out and the rookie is forced to carry the load under the basket, he's going to be getting a lot of contact.

Luckily for the Lakers, Sacre is a big man who can make free throws.