Despite ’09 title, Lakers still have some draft needs

It has now been about a week since the Lakers marched through downtown Los Angeles in celebration of their well-deserved 2009 NBA championship. But now, it’s time to put the champagne and confetti away and prepare for a run at a second title in 2010. In case, you were wondering the work for that elusive championship begins Thursday with the NBA Draft.

However, unlike teams such as the Clippers and the Milwaukee Bucks, who are accustomed to picking in the top ten of the draft, the Lakers find themselves once again picking at the end of the first round at number twenty-nine. One of the challenges with picking so late is that it becomes quite difficult to find future stars or even your typical role player. As a result, it would be wise for Laker fans to expect some inconsequential former college or European stars to be selected by the Lakers on Thursday.

But even though the Lakers are coming off their 15th NBA Championship, the team still has a few pressing needs to address during Thursday’s draft.

Need #1: Point Guard – Point guard is clearly the most pressing offseason need as evident by their playoff run, where the Lakers had trouble stopping lightening quick guards such as Aaron Brooks and Chauncey Billups. While it is generally hard to find a contributor for next season’s team this late in the first round, it is important for Mitch Kupchak and company to select someone to take over at the point in the future.

At 35, Finals hero Derek Fisher is not getting any younger and has showed to be incapable of guarding the league’s top point guards on a consistent basis. Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown do appear to be serviceable replacements, but questions remain as to whether they could eventually become full-time starters. There is even the possibility that Brown does not return to the team, as he is an restricted free agent. With Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza expected to command high salaries, Dr. Buss may not be able to afford Brown. With that said, I look for the Lakers to target a point guard.

Need #2: Big Man – Neither Josh Powell nor D.J. Mbenga were helpful to the Lakers in the playoffs, as Phil Jackson relied exclusively on Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Odom, for points in the paint. With Powell and Mbenga both having team options, the Lakers may look to go younger and head in another direction with this year’s draft. Expect the Lakers to look for a Leon Powe/Glenn Davis energy guy.

Need #3: Scorer – After a horrific finals performance from 2004 first-round pick Sasha Vujacic, who failed to make one shot in the series against Orlando, the Lakers would be wise to search for a tough two guard, who could challenge “The Machine” for some playing time. A shooter with the ability to score on his own would be much needed relief for Kobe Bryant during the long regular season. 

With the Lakers holding three picks in this year’s draft (29th, 37th, 39th), there are several players they should target:

• Jon Brockman, Washington, PF – Brockman is the quientessential “tough guy.” He doesn’t blow anyone away with his size or speed, but his intangibles and strength make up for a lot of his perceived deficiencies. There is a solid chance he could slide toward the end of the second round so there is a good chance the Lakers could snag him with one of their three picks. If anything, LA could always use an influx of toughness. 
• Nick Calathes, Greece, PG – Calathes is an American point guard, who played for a short period of time at Florida and is now playing overseas in Greece. Even if drafted, Calathes might stay in Greece for another year or two, so the Lakers could keep the current roster intact if the select a European player like him. But if he does make the Lakers roster, Calathes would certainly fit in, as he is a good spot-up shooter and has the ability to score of the dribble. His defense is average, but if Vujacic continues to struggle, he could be a viable option. 
• Robert Dozier, Memphis, PF/C – Dozier is similar to Brockman in the fact that he is a tough big man with the ability to muscle for rebounds in the paint. However, what separates Dozier from Brockman is his ability run the floor and his athleticism to score in the paint. 
• Wayne Ellington, North Carolina, SG – Ellington is a guy who flat out score. With the way Vujacic played in the postseason, the Lakers need a quality backup for Kobe and Ellington has the experience and skill set necessary to do so. He can shoot and knock down jump shots off the dribble. With Kobe needing rest during the regular season, a guy like Ellington who can score off the bench would be a big relief to the team. 
• Taj Gibson, USC, PF — Gibson, who is a little older than most draft picks at age 24, would be the perfect fit for the Lakers. He can play inside at 6’9″, but also has a solid enough outside game and the ability to run the floor. After watching him for three years at USC, it appears quite possible that he has the ability to play anywhere on the front line. Overall, he’d be a tremendous upgrade over Josh Powell, who doesn’t appear to have much upside. Gibson’s maturity would also enable him to be a contributor sooner rather than later.
• Jerel McNeal, Marquette, SG – McNeal is Marquette’s all-time leading scorer, and thus, certainly deserves a look from Kupchak and company. As a future NBA two guard, McNeal has the ability create his own shot off the dribble and also play solid one-on-one defense. After four years at Marquette, McNeal could be an instant contributor for the Lakers next season off the bench.