NBA Draft 2011: Should the Los Angeles Lakers Move into the Top 5?
The Los Angeles Lakers are in a peculiar situation. It's the month of May, and the Lakers aren't playing basketball.
The Lakers have been to the finals for three straight years, winning the last two championships but were unpredictably swept by a very deep Mavericks squad.
Besides the inconsistencies on the defensive side of the ball, the Lakers were pathetic on offense. The bigs were outplayed, and the coaching staff was simply out-coached by Carlisle and Co.
Then to top it off, Bynum runs to the media and states the Lakers have "trust issues." There were rumors about Pau Gasol's love life and how it affected his play. When the rumors began dying down, Shannon had to tweet his lack of involvement with Gasol's girlfriend (for some reason).
There was a bunch of drama in La La land this season and while many would blame a lost season on the team's lack of motivation or fatigue, the Lakers lost because they weren't the better squad. The Mavericks had the better roster (and this was without Caron Butler) and were the more hungrier team.
Some analysts believe this team needs a complete overhaul (hello Magic) but Laker fans understand that a bit of tweaking should right the ship. The Lakers need an infusion of youth and athleticism to pair with that veteran core. The bench needs major tweaking as well.
If major changes do occur, it may be at the point guard and center position. Derek Fisher has proven to be effective in big time moments but the negatives far outweigh the positives at this point in his career.
He's far too slow on the defensive end and is unreliable as an outside shooter. Andrew Bynum on the other hand had a breakout season this year. Statistically, it wasn't a great season but he became a consistent force on the defensive end (excluding that Mavericks series).
Bynum is the Lakers greatest trading chip and if LA plays their cards right, they should receive a big time talent in return. Some believe that Dwight Howard will be heading to Lakerland but at this point, it's only a dream for Laker fans.
The NBA Draft is approaching and in the last couple of years, this has been a slow time for Laker fans. They haven't drafted any impact players in the last couple of years (it's to be somewhat expect considering where they pick every year).
This year may be different. While this year's NBA Draft is weak overall, there is some premier talent at the top.
Here are some prospects the Lakers should take a good look at.
Kyrie Irving: Duke
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Kyrie Irving is probably the No. 1 pick come draft time and rightfully so. He is a solid passer with great court vision.
Irving can penetrate with the best of them and is very creative around the rim. He has a solid jump shot (both from the outside and mid-range) than many of the top point guards who entered the NBA (most recently John Wall and Derrick Rose).
Irving is a good on the ball defender with the potential to be great. He has the quickness to stay in front of quick point guards but will struggle against bigger and stronger guards.
LA would definitely have to offer Andrew Bynum if they intend to acquire the first overall pick. Cleveland may say yes to this proposition. While Irving has the potential to be a Chris Paul type of player, the draft is still an unknown.
Andrew Bynum is a proven player in this league and if healthy (which is a big if and may end up being a deal breaker), could be a legit number one option.
Cleveland has two selections within the top five, so they'll still be able to acquire a top talent.
The Lakers would love to pair Irving with Kobe Bryant in the backcourt. He'll be able to learn from a legend in Kobe, while also bringing some much needed youth and athleticism to the backcourt.
The Lakers would lose a significant piece in their front court, so acquiring a veteran big (whether in free agency or trade) is a must if they decide to trade up for Irving.
Brandon Knight: Kentucky
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Brandon Knight will be a fantastic point guard in this league. Some question if he'll be able to become a true point guard (as he is more of a combo guard) but I have no doubts.
He's a fantastic playmaker and is excellent in transition. While he is a good three point shooter, he can penetrate at will if he chooses. Knight can create his own shot and will be a very good scorer in the pros.
Knight has great size for a point guard but will need to get a bit stronger. He has the potential to be an elite defender but must get stronger to match up with bigger guards. Knight can be a bit turnover prone at times but that is fixable. He reminds me of Gilbert Arenas, but is a much better defender.
I believe Knight would be the better fit for LA than Irving. While he may not be a true point guard, he has the necessary tools to be an excellent fit in the triangle (if the Lakers decide to continue running it).
This scenario would also be a lot more realistic than trading up for Irving (who is likely the first overall pick). Irving is projected to go in the top 10 and there are numerous teams looking to get out of the lottery.
Minnesota would love to add a player like Andrew Bynum and pair him with the defenseless Kevin Love. There are rumors that the Wolves are looking to trade out of the two-spot and would probably make a trade with the Lakers in an instant. Utah would also love to add an Andrew Bynum to pair with Derrick Favors.
Knight would bring some excitement to Laker land and should make an immediate impact playing next to a very talented veteran core.
Enes Kanter: Turkey
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Enes Kanter will be a top-five pick. He's the most polished big man in this draft and in my opinion, Kanter should be drafted ahead of Derrick Williams of Arizona.
Kanter has legit center size at 6'11" and is a brute. He has great strength and a very high motor.
Kanter has a solid mid range jump-shot and is a great rebounder. His foot work is excellent and has nice touch around the rim. Kanter will be a solid defender in the pros but isn't much of a shot blocker.
The Lakers will probably not give up a proven big in Bynum to move up and select an unproven big but he's a prospect LA should take a good look at. Kanter could bring a lot more energy and hustle to the front court, something the Lakers need.
He reminds me a bit of Brook Lopez because of his scoring prowess (but Kanter is obviously the better rebounder and defender), and Al Horford. Both bigs know how to score around the rim and are solid mid range shooters.
Kanter might not have the same immediate impact as a Brandon Knight or a Kyrie Irving would but his play would definitely make him a fan favorite in Laker Land.
