Lakers Rumors: Top Prospects Lake Show Should Target in 2012 NBA Draft

Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol form one of the best trios in the NBA, but that doesn't mean the Los Angeles Lakers don't have holes in their roster. 

Derek Fisher is what, 48 years old? He may have the biceps of a young gym-rat, but he's not getting it done at point guard anymore.

Ron Ar—Metta World Peace certainly isn't himself anymore, both literally and on the court.

The bench has some nice pieces with guys like Steve Blake and Troy Murphy, but it could use some added depth. What's more, power forward Pau Gasol has been at the center of trade rumors and his future with the Lakers is uncertain, according to ESPN.

So with goal of adding a point guard (I know they drafted two last year, but Andrew Goudelock looks like a high-energy guy off the bench and Darius Morris hasn't panned out yet), small forward, bench depth or possibly a power forward in mind, here's a look at who the Lake Show should target in June's NBA Draft. 

Note: The Lakers should end up with two picks right around the early-to-mid 20s (one coming from the Mavericks in the Lamar Odom trade), so we'll use that as a starting point.

John Jenkins, Vanderbilt

John Jenkins is a shooting guard and therefore wouldn't be a candidate to start right away, but he would give this team the instant offense it needs off the bench.

Jenkins is as smooth as it gets. He has a remarkably quick release, and if you give him any time, he will knock down the three-ball. He's making almost four per game this season while shooting 45 percent from deep. 

I feel like I watch guys on this Laker team miss more open three-pointers than anyone (It checks out. They are second to last in three-point percentage). Jenkins could solve that problem and serve as a future replacement for Mr. Kobe Bryant. 

Le'Bryan Nash, Oklahoma State

Why not replace Metta World Peace with the next Ron Artest?

Le'Bryan Nash still has some improving to do, but at 6'7", 240 pounds, he has the type of strong, muscular body that resembles Artest.

He plays like him, too.

Nash isn't overly athletic, but he knows how to score inside, he can rebound, he plays very hard defense and he showed against Missouri he can shoot the ball—although his shooting is still inconsistent. 

The freshman has put together seven-straight double-digit scoring games and is really starting to figure things out after a slow start to his college season. 

This would be a bit of a project for the Lakers, but the potential is there. 

Kendall Marshall, UNC

Kendall Marshall is only a sophomore, so whether or not he declares probably depends on the Tar Heels' success in March.

I'm not overly high on Marshall's draft stock because of his inability to shoot and his lack of defense. He also doesn't have ideal quickness.

But if he gets drafted into the right system, Marshall could conceivably be very effective. The Los Angeles Lakers would be that right system.

Marshall is simply one of the best passers I've seen in college basketball in a long time. His vision is absolutely uncanny and find whoever is open. He just needs to scorers around him to be effective, and the Lakers certainly have that.

If LA can nab him with their second first-round pick, it would be a solid pickup. 

Tony Wroten, Washington

Tony Wroten is still very, very raw, but he has the upside and skill to warrant a Top 10 pick if he leaves after his freshman season at Washington.

Still though, MyNBADraft.com has Wroten going at No. 20 and NBADraft.net has him at No. 25, so he's certainly a possibility for Los Angeles. 

Wroten would be a project for the Lakers; he turns the ball over too much and still can't shoot very well, but he will make passes one didn't think were possible. He can get to the hoop even when defenders lay off him.

He's a point guard in a shooting guard's body (6'5", 205 pounds), and could play either position at the next level, which is an added bonus. 

Wroten is a potential All-Star. Those don't usually come at the end of the first round. 

Damian Lillard, Weber State

Damian Lillard might just be the best kept secret in college basketball right now, but that's probably going to change pretty soon.

The junior has been absolutely dominant for Weber State this season. In leading the Wildcats to a 21-4 record, he is averaging 24.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. He also shoots 48 percent form the field, knocks down over three three-pointers per game and shoots almost 90 percent from the stripe.

Let me sum that up for you: Those are absolutely gaudy numbers.

Sure, he's doing it at Weber State against lesser competition, but this kid has the size (6'3") and quickness to produce at the next level.

What's more—he has the experience that will help him contribute in the NBA right away. He averaged 29 minutes per game as a freshman and then 34 minutes per game both as a sophomore and this year as a junior (he was granted a medical redshirt last season). 

I only expect this kid's stock to rise, and if the Lakers can grab him with their first pick, they'll have their point guard of the future. 

Other Possibilities

Tony Mitchell, PF, North Texas

The freshman has been absolutely killing it for the Mean Green in his freshman season. He's incredibly athletic, rebounds the ball well, blocks a lot of shots and even has some range on his shot. He would be dangerous in the frontcourt next to Andrew Bynum 

Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State

A more prototypical big man than Mitchell, Moultrie has enjoyed a breakout year for MSU and is seen on most draft boards as a late first-rounder.

Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Teague really struggled to start the season for the Wildcats, but he has been coming on as of late. We know how well those John Calipari point guards perform in the NBA.