But on June 26, the Lakers will enter the draft with the No. 7 pick, thanks to a dismal season in which the team won just 25 games, the fewest since the 1959-1960 season when the Lakers were still in Minneapolis.
However, if the team wants to reclaim its position as the best squad in Los Angeles and regain its form as an annual playoff contender, it will need to pair a healthy Kobe Bryant with an All-Star-caliber, immediate-impact player either through free agency or the draft. While the team will likely acquire quality players through both means, the Lakers can't afford to miss on their No. 7 pick in a deep and supremely talented draft.
Let's take a look at the latest news as to whom the Lakers may be targeting leading up to the draft.
Marcus Smart impresses
Marcus Smart is a do-it-all point guard with great skills and good size. He could have declared for the draft last year but instead chose to remain at Oklahoma State and continue to improve his game. Comparing his sophomore season to his freshman campaign, Smart appears to have made the right decision.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles, Smart worked out for the Lakers, and the team really liked what it saw.
Los Angeles would be wise to draft a point guard, especially considering Steve Nash's age and injury-prone history. Drafting Smart would fill that need while simultaneously giving the team another scoring threat to take some of the burden off an aging Bryant, especially if All-Star Pau Gasol leaves in free agency.
Australian Dante Exum, the top point guard in the draft, will likely be off the board by Los Angeles' pick. The Lakers desperately need an infusion of talent, and Smart woul...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
