NBA Draft Winners: Los Angeles Lakers

by James Finneral 

One of the NBA's most renowned franchises had a difficult campaign in the 2013-2014 season. With future hall of famer Kobe Bryant out for nearly the entire year the Lakers struggled on both ends of the floor. With Kobe's years numbered this Lakers team is pretty much in rebuilding mode. On draft night, the Lakers brought in two players that fit perfectly into the roster they have now.

No. 7: Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky:

Julius Randle was an absolute steal for the Lakers at pick number 7. Many claim he is too short to play power forward in the NBA, but those people do not realize just how much of a force Randle is. Randle is so powerful in the post that he can still easily compete with larger defenders. He is also a great competitor who plays 100% all game long. Randle is relentless on the glass and will really contribute to a team that struggled in the rebounding department last year. Lastly Randle is a lot quicker than most big men and also has a nice handle on the basketball. He can step outside the paint and beat his competition with drives to the basket.

This pick suits the Lakers pretty well because the Lakers never really had a true power forward last year and had to try out many different starting lineups. Adding Randle to the club gives L.A. a nice front-court with Pau Gasol likely staying. Having two guys who go for every rebound will really help out the Lakers not just on the defensive end, but it will also give them second chances on offense. Randle can be a big time NBA player and could be the face of the Lakers when Kobe moves on.

No. 46: Jordan Clarkson, PG, Missouri:   

The Lakers also made nice use of their second pick by drafting Missouri point guard, Jordan Clarkson. Clarkson is a pretty complete guard already. He is a double threat who can pass and score the basketball. He is blazing quick and can easily go by defenders giving himself opportunities to score or pass to a teammate. He has a collection of smooth moves that many players his age do not posses. With a few years of training in the weight room Clarkson can be a very competitive point guard who can pay dividends for the Lakers down the road.

This is a quality pick for the Lakers no matter what they decide for their starting lineup next year. Whether they start Steve Nash, Jordan Farmar, Steve Blake or even Clarkson, he will gain a great amount of knowledge and experience. Starting could help Clarkson get a feel for the league right away, but learning from one of the best point guards to ever play the game in Nash, would not hurt either. Clarkson is nice fit for the Lakers and it is great that they were able to draft him as late as they did.

One of the most storied franchises of all time could either make a quick run for a title, but if not they still have a bright future for sure.