The #2 Pick

Post #1361 » by **Goudelock** » Fri Jun 19, 2015 8:38 pm

Sedale Threatt wrote:Hezonja was asked earlier this year if he went to go see soccer legend Lionel Messi play for FC Barcelona. He responded: "Let Messi come to see me."

The balls on this kid. After nearly 20 years of Kobe, not sure I could handle it.

http://www.sbnation.com/2015/6/18/8793459/mario-hezonja-nba-draft-scouting-report-cocky

Wow, he's got a Kobe-sized ego. I love it :lol:

Too bad we won't get him (I'm totally happy with Okafor though

).

Boss Angeles · Post #1362 » by **Boss Angeles** » Fri Jun 19, 2015 9:02 pm

My final outlook is I want Russell on this team.

I don't like the concerns some scouts have about Okafor's love of the game overall. Loves playing basketball games, but they question if he likes staying fit, practice, the traveling etc. The stuff that you need to be great. Judging from what those recent scouts have said, I don't think he's ready for that Kobe Bryant workout routine.

Do not want Hezonja, it can scare away some free agents. Nobody really going to want to take orders from a barking foreign player in the NBA and that's what they'll see when they think of coming to the Lakers. Then when the team can't find anybody willing to come here, he'll bounce. Don't want that headache, besides dude forces way too many shots. The way I see it right now, the Lakers have a solid core of young guys, they don't need a younger guy coming in and yelling at them. That could be another team's problem.

Plus I think there can be some serious chemistry with Russell, Clarkson and Randle. Russell is downright dazzling on the court.

Post #1363 » by **Slava** » Fri Jun 19, 2015 9:12 pm

Sedale Threatt wrote:Hezonja was asked earlier this year if he went to go see soccer legend Lionel Messi play for FC Barcelona. He responded: "Let Messi come to see me."

The balls on this kid. After nearly 20 years of Kobe, not sure I could handle it.

http://www.sbnation.com/2015/6/18/8793459/mario-hezonja-nba-draft-scouting-report-cocky

You can only imagine how that ego would look like if he turns into anything less than Kobe.

ArC_man · Post #1364 » by **ArC_man** » Fri Jun 19, 2015 9:37 pm

[tweet]https://twitter.com/EricPincus/status/611988845710540800[/tweet]
I'm thinking they will *try to* do the same with Russell. Can't really see a PG's skills without at least some 3 on 3.

BEazy · Post #1365 » by **BEazy** » Fri Jun 19, 2015 9:49 pm

Okafor or Russell. It should be that simple. No euro prospects for me....

lakers fan_cro · Post #1366 » by **lakers fan_cro** » Fri Jun 19, 2015 9:51 pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOShi5lDL-w

JohnVancouver · Post #1367 » by **JohnVancouver** » Fri Jun 19, 2015 10:05 pm

I'm in full on fansturbation mode - how do we swing it so we trade down, and get WCS and Mario? That would suit me.

What would NY give for the 2? Jesus, do they even have anything bar Carmelo?

kblo247 · Post #1368 » by **kblo247** » Fri Jun 19, 2015 10:33 pm

JohnVancouver wrote:I'm in full on fansturbation mode - how do we swing it so we trade down, and get WCS and Mario? That would suit me.

What would NY give for the 2? Jesus, do they even have anything bar Carmelo?

Orlando and Sacramento can pay more in a trade down scenario

Teen Girl Squad · Post #1369 » by **Teen Girl Squad** » Fri Jun 19, 2015 10:45 pm

The only reason to trade down is if you think WCS is going to be a beast (I don't think he ever becomes serviceable at offense personally) or think that the Euro guys/Mudiay are being undervalued. Otherwise I think its just a desperate move trying to hit two homeruns to get back into contention faster. I doubt any of the top 3 (especially Okafor) straight bust, they are too naturally good at actually playing basketball so you know you are at least getting a serviceable starter health permitting.

As far as Okafor vs. Russell, it depends on how you view Okafor's dedication. If he's really doing just enough to check the boxes, that is concerning. However, if he's just a pro who works hard, is professional, but likes to clock out and relax (responsibly/not party all night/not gain weight) then thats fine. Not everyone has a Kobe/Ray Allen dedication to the game nor is that needed if you work hard when you are there (Doc barely practices during the regular season for example so CP3/Blake/Deadre/Clippers did just fine relatively speaking).

LApwnd · Post #1370 » by **LApwnd** » Sat Jun 20, 2015 12:16 am

If Mario is a duche that doesnt pan out in the nba he'll be back in europe by yr 3. Some players tend to last longer in this league if they're not the loudest in the room even if they dont deserve to be on a team due to talent lvl

LApwnd · Post #1371 » by **LApwnd** » Sat Jun 20, 2015 12:19 am

JohnVancouver wrote:I'm in full on fansturbation mode - how do we swing it so we trade down, and get WCS and Mario? That would suit me.

What would NY give for the 2? Jesus, do they even have anything bar Carmelo?

Orl-#2
mia-A. Gordon, la 2018 1st (from orl)
la-5th (mario), 10th (wcs-ford has him going 11th to indy)

oldschooled · Post #1372 » by **oldschooled** » Sat Jun 20, 2015 1:47 am

If you have a spare time, great read on 538

PS f*ck it, im currently leaning Russell as draft day comes closer

http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/projecting-the-top-50-players-in-the-2015-nba-draft-class/

Leor_77 · Post #1373 » by **Leor_77** » Sat Jun 20, 2015 2:20 am

Haven't been here in a minute (mainly post on Lakersground these days), but I'm leaning heavily towards Russell. The people who I talk to who really know basketball say that we should take Russell. Just speaking for myself, when I watch Russell's game (i.e. the way he moves, shooting form/release, handles, etc.), I can see that he will be a for sure NBA All-Star. He just fits the mold already, even though he didn't even play a minute in the NBA.

Leor_77 · Post #1374 » by **Leor_77** » Sat Jun 20, 2015 2:34 am

Even with all the red flags of Okafor's free throw shooting, defense, athleticism/explosiveness (or lack thereof), the main concern BY FAR for me, and seemingly one that most of you guys share, is his desire and motivation. We don't want a guy that does "just enough". We want a guy that wants to be the best player in the league. How reliable were/are the sources of his dedication, or lack of it?

One thing I will say is that Okafor was projected as the #1 pick all the way back in high school, and he pretty much stayed there until the last few months of the college season - That says a lot. If he were to lose 10-15 lbs (minimum), I think he would be in a better position to be effective in this league. He needs the extra mobility, speed, stamina, etc. Without it, he will be left in the dust by some of the faster teams.

EArl · Post #1375 » by **EArl** » Sat Jun 20, 2015 3:18 am

Slava wrote:
Sedale Threatt wrote:Hezonja was asked earlier this year if he went to go see soccer legend Lionel Messi play for FC Barcelona. He responded: "Let Messi come to see me."

The balls on this kid. After nearly 20 years of Kobe, not sure I could handle it.

http://www.sbnation.com/2015/6/18/8793459/mario-hezonja-nba-draft-scouting-report-cocky

You can only imagine how that ego would look like if he turns into anything less than Kobe.

That doesn't bode well for such a young kid.

Post #1376 » by **dockingsched** » Sat Jun 20, 2015 5:20 am

Not sure if it was mentioned but okafor's 2nd workout with the lakers was today

[tweet]http://twitter.com/SerenaWinters/status/611988537601191936[/tweet]

LFAHFN22 · Post #1377 » by **LFAHFN22** » Sat Jun 20, 2015 5:53 am

I think Okafor can develop into a true force, but like everyone else, I do have doubts about his ability to anchor a defense. You'd need a defensive powerhouse of a power forward next to him if he isn't able to step it up on that side of the floor.

I love D'Angelo Russell's game, but drafting him would create a bit of an overlap between him and Jordan Clarkson, and I'd personally love to tap into Clarkson's potential quite a bit more. He measures so well against other point guards, and has shown he belongs in the league.

kblo247 · Post #1378 » by **kblo247** » Sat Jun 20, 2015 6:11 am

dockingsched wrote:Not sure if it was mentioned but okafor's 2nd workout with the lakers was today

[tweet]http://twitter.com/SerenaWinters/status/611988537601191936[/tweet]

Serena also described it as short.

That means one of two things
- He blew them away and cemented himsel
- He blew up in a ramped up workout and the G's are our choice because of it

Westbreezy · Post #1379 » by **Westbreezy** » Sat Jun 20, 2015 6:13 am

A Clarkson/Russell/Kobe/Randle/Deandre lineup would be so nice for next year and the future. Imagine slotting in Kevin Durant to lead this franchise forward once Kobe retires? Hey I know its a pipe dream but man, I'd love it

shortodom · Post #1380 » by **shortodom** » Sat Jun 20, 2015 7:16 am

EArl wrote:
Slava wrote:
Sedale Threatt wrote:Hezonja was asked earlier this year if he went to go see soccer legend Lionel Messi play for FC Barcelona. He responded: "Let Messi come to see me."

The balls on this kid. After nearly 20 years of Kobe, not sure I could handle it.

http://www.sbnation.com/2015/6/18/8793459/mario-hezonja-nba-draft-scouting-report-cocky

You can only imagine how that ego would look like if he turns into anything less than Kobe.

That doesn't bode well for such a young kid.

Could have just been joking. Who knows

Who do we pick