Lakers Rumors: Rounding Up Post-Draft Buzz and News Surrounding Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers ushered in a new era in style Thursday at the 2015 NBA draft, shocking most onlookers near the top and broadcasting where the organization next turns its attention.

At No. 2, general manager Mitch Kupchak and Co. bucked conventional wisdom saying they would take one of the leftovers from Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor, instead taking Ohio State Buckeyes guard D'Angelo Russell.

While the Lakers did go on to add Wyoming Cowboys forward Larry Nance Jr. at No. 27, the organization's cards now sit on the table for everyone to see—the situation under the basket is the next order of business. 

It should surprise no one, then, that the latest offerings from the rumor mill about the Lakers center on the painted area. Let's take a look.

Lakers Secure Coveted Big Men

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Forget major free agents for a moment. 

With the fate of Jordan Hill and others still unknown, it's clear that the Lakers need to do whatever they can to surround Julius Randle, last year's No. 7 overall pick, with talent.

This includes heading to the realm of undrafted free agency to scoop up a pair of talented big men. The Lakers did so with Robert Upshaw and Brandon Ashley, per Shams Charania of RealGM:

Ashley, out of Arizona, is an interesting prospect if he can add some bulk. He's a power forward but comes in at just 6'9" and 228 pounds. He averaged 12.2 points per game on 51.4 percent shooting last year, but the learning curve should prove steep.

Most interesting is Upshaw, he of character concerns but top-flight talent. Even ESPN.com's Chad Ford classified Upshaw's talent as that of "a lottery pick" before mentioning his getting kicked out of two schools (Fresno State and Washington).

CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein provided further context:

In other words, the Lakers might have a major steal on their hands if Upshaw can remain on the right path. He's a monster of a player and pro ready, meaning he could step in right away at center if necessary.

It's perhaps the most interesting storyline about the team to keep an eye on as the summer progresses.

The Reason for Drafting Russell

Again, the Lakers could have gone either way at No. 2, but they opted for a guard who can create his own shot at will and also get others involved.

It leaves a major question mark next to Randle underneath the basket, although it does hint that Kupchak and Co. have a solid plan in place.

According to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress, it seems that they do:

What a coup, right?

If the Lakers are on the money with their thinking and can land LaMarcus Aldridge, the team goes right back to the forefront of contention with a snap of the fingers.

Aldridge will cost a pretty penny, sure, but everyone knows he's worth every ounce of copper. At just 29 years old, he's coming off a season in which he averaged 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game and remains every bit of the game-changing presence on both ends of the court.

Of course, this implies Aldridge will leave Portland, but that's something that now looks like a sure thing.

"He's gone," a source told ESPN.com's Marc Stein and Chris Broussard. "There's a 99.9 percent chance that he's out of Portland."

If true, it's safe to presume Aldridge likes what he sees in Los Angeles. There, he can act as the franchise centerpiece while working with a pair of top-10 rookies, and his addition doesn't prohibit the team from making another big splash soon or down the road.

Before the draft, it was easier to write off the Lakers in the Aldridge sweepstakes in comparison to teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks. After, though, the odds appear more favorable.

It might not have been the master plan all along, but if Aldridge chooses the Lakers based on recent events, it's a major win regardless.

All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.