NBA Draft 2011: Nolan Smith and 5 Prospects the L.A. Lakers Need To Consider

The L.A. Lakers do not have a first-round draft pick this year. This should come as no surprise, considering the team’s consistent success.

The draft is not usually something the team or fans have circled on their calendar.

With that being said, the team does have a total of four draft picks in the second round.

For a team who was just eliminated in the conference semifinals and is not getting any younger, the team should use these four picks very wisely.

Here are five prospects the Lakers need to consider drafting.

5. Greg Smith, Fresno State

One area the Lakers have been weak at the last couple seasons is backup center.

Smith has tremendous size (6’10", 250 pounds) to go along with a soft shooting touch around the hoop. Smith shot nearly 60 percent from the field in his two seasons with the Fresno State Bulldogs.

Smith could be the next DeJuan Blair, who ended up being a second-round surprise.

Photo courtesy of uspresswire.com

4. Keith Benson, Oakland

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TULSA, OK - MARCH 18: Keith Benson #34 of the Oakland Golden Grizzlies goes up for a shot against Alexis Wangmene #20 of the Texas Longhorns during the second round game of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 18, 2011 in Tuls

Keith Benson was one of the more underrated college players in the country last season, playing for Oakland in the Summit League.

Benson averaged 17 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, leading the Oakland Golden Grizzlies to the NCAA tournament.

Benson has great athleticism for a center. He could easily be the steal of the second round.

3. Chandler Parsons, Florida

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 26: Chandler Parsons #25 of the Florida Gators talks to an offical during their game against the Butler Bulldogs in the Southeast regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at New Orleans Arena on March 26, 2011 i

The former Florida Gator had a spectacular senior season in Gainesville, averaging 11 points and four assists en route to winning SEC Player of the Year honors.

While he isn’t ready to make an immediate impact on the NBA, with a little development from a classy organization like the Lakers, Parsons could be a serviceable role player down the road.

When I watch Parsons play, I see a lot of Chase Budinger, the former Arizona star and current Houston Rocket.

2. Scotty Hopson, Tennessee

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ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 11: Scotty Hopson #32 of the Tennessee Volunteers reacts during their 74 to 85 loss to the Florida Gators in the quarterfinals of the SEC Men's Basketball Tournament at Georgia Dome on March 11, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Ke

Scotty Hopson was named to the All-SEC First Team as a junior last season.

The Lakers are in desperate need of young, athletic wing players. Hopson fits that description perfectly.

Combined with a 7’0" wingspan, Hopson has the athletic ability and shooting touch (Hopson averaged 17 points and shot 45 percent from the field in 2010-11) to be productive in the NBA.

1. Nolan Smith, Duke

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ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 24: Nolan Smith #2 of the Duke Blue Devils shoot the ball over Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats during the west regional semifinal of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center on March 24, 2011 in Anahe

While it’s a long shot that Smith would still be on the board by the time the Lakers make their first pick, it’s not out of the question the team could land the former Duke standout.

The senior took home ACC Player of the Year honors last season, averaging 20 points and five assists for the Blue Devils.

Aside from his great leadership skills he developed playing four years under Coach Krzyzewski, Smith has the size (6’3") and the basketball I.Q. to be a good defensive point guard in the NBA.

Smith played for the best coach and college program in the country. This should somewhat make up for any doubts teams have in his overall physical attributes.

If the Lakers have the chance to draft him, they should do so in a heartbeat. If a few things bounce the right way in terms of his development, he could be the team’s point guard of the future.