Jesse Buss: Lakers Director of Scouting | Interview
Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 6:38 pm
MT: How has your position evolved over the years from the time you started working for the Lakers while you were attending college?
Jesse Buss: I began working for the Lakers in 2006 as a basketball operations assistant mainly doing statistical work and other projects under (assistant GM) Glenn Carraro. I was also scouting at the time, but my focus was mainly on games that were local. I transitioned into a full time scout in 2009. I was given the opportunity to become scouting coordinator in 2011, and eventually director of scouting in 2013. My job now is to make sure everything in our scouting department runs smoothly, with the main focus on having our department see every basketball prospect in the world and knowing their ins and outs as players. I trust in my scouting staff and that we are the best in the business. We all work closely together in our evaluations to make sure we draft the best players possible. I'm glad to be able to contribute in bringing the group together and making educated decisions together.
MT: How did the process go by which the Lakers purchased a draft pick to select Clarkson at No. 46? And did he exceed even your expectations?
Buss: I would say before the draft we discussed purchasing an additional pick if it was possible. On draft night as the first round was coming to a close, it looked more promising that we were going to be able to acquire another pick. Mitch was on the phone looking to purchase a pick from anyone who was willing to sell one. When we are drafting players we each have our own opinions on players and usually we hammer it out during the process of preparing for the draft. Usually at a certain point these rankings get meshed together and it creates our consensus thought. Jordan was ranked much higher on our big board than where we selected him. I personally was shocked that he was not a first round pick. I wouldn't say necessarily he exceeded my expectations this season because from day one when he was drafted and started working out in our gym, I knew he was going to be a good player.
MT: How much of an impact can Julius Randle make? Are we forgetting the kind of player he can be in this league?
Buss: I think Julius will definitely turn some heads this season and showcase his talent that has gotten him this far. When we drafted Julius we were definitely looking at him as a player who we envision being here for a long time. Unfortunately, we live in a world where it's more of a "what have you done for me lately," but that's ok because I believe he's very eager to show people that he's going to be a good player in this league.
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