While I fully support and endorse the Lakers hiring Luke Walton, hiring him, specifically, doesn’t come without potential logistical hiccups. Walton, after all, is still employed, fulfilling his responsibilities as the Warriors’ lead assistant as they look to defend their title. As Walton helps Steve Kerr and the Warriors, then, he’s not able to yet move into his role as head man for the Lakers — at least as long as the Dubs are still in the playoffs.
With the Lakers getting a taste of lady luck by holding onto their draft pick on Tuesday night, they will soon start to hold pre-draft workouts of top prospects (they have already been working out prospects for their 2nd round pick). Only with Walton still working for the Warriors, he’s not likely to be around for many — if any — of them. TNT and NBA.com’s David Aldridge has the report:
So Walton may have to miss a number of Predraft workouts the Lakers schedule with some of the top Draft prospects. The Lakers are taping every workout for him to view when he can. Walton and Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak text each other every day and talk on the phone when possible, but the Lakers are being very respectful of Walton’s remaining days at Golden State.
In the meantime, Walton is continuing to try and convince Brian Shaw to join his Lakers coaching staff. But Shaw is also being wooed by new Pacers head coach Nate McMillan for a similar position, according to sources. Ideally, Shaw would serve as Walton’s proxy in L.A. during the Predraft workouts.
This isn’t the most ideal situation for the Lakers. In a perfect world Walton would be present, offering his thoughts and providing his opinion on players the Lakers may end up selecting. His insight on how a guy might fit into what he plans to run on offense and defense, his perspective on their skill set, and him generally getting a better feel for who these guys are as people by being in the room has real value. Some things might translate over tape or via communications with staff who are present, but in the end I’m sure even Luke would say nothing can fully replace being present.
This is especially true for Walton since he is entering his first year as the team’s coach. It’s not like Walton has been with the team for years, where familiarity could breed a type of comfort level between those in the room to take up the mindset of “what would Luke think about this” and feel good they’re hitting the mark. Yes, Walton could provide some key things he’d look for via pre-workout conversations, but, again, him being there would undoubtedly be better.
The flip side, of course, is what Mitch Kupchak said last season when he was asked about how much input Byron Scott had in the draft process which led to selecting D’Angelo Russell (Scott was not hired yet when the Lakers drafted Julius Randle):
(Byron was) not very influential at all. The coaches were present during the workouts, they are all veterans and they don’t watch any college basketball, they don’t attend any college games, there is just no time. They are smart enough to know that what they see in a workout or two is not nearly the body of work that you need to see to make a decision with a college kid. They were present, they conducted the workouts, I solicited some opinions, but Byron would have been happy with any of the guys we brought in to work out. He would have been very, very happy.
Whether or not that’s a 100% accurate portrayal of the coaching staff’s involvement in the lead up to the draft, if we simply take his words at face value, I would imagine the same would be true of Walton and his staff (if they were in place) for this year’s draft. Yes, they’d be involved, but it seems Mitch would lean heavily on the scouting department and his own personal opinions from seeing these players in game situations multiple times, rather than what the coaches think from a workout or two.
Speaking of coaches, though, the note about Brian Shaw in Aldridge’s report is worth discussing as well. Shaw’s name has been out there for some time, but those talks died down when Shaw was mentioned as a possible candidate for head coaching vacancies in Indiana and Orlando.
Now that Nate McMillan has been hired by the Pacers and the Magic have moved onto Frank Vogel and Adrian Griffin as their top choices, expect Shaw’s name to come up again — as it does with Aldridge — as a potential assistant under Walton. It’s worth noting too that Shaw has history in Indiana and a good relationship with Paul George from his time as an assistant under Vogel before taking the head job in Denver.
We will see how this all plays out. Not only with Shaw, but in how the pre-draft process plays out with Walton not getting a first hand look at these players. Again, it’s not the best situation, but the hope is that the Lakers planned for this when they hired Walton in the first place.
JY says
In Mitch we trust
Chibi says
Ingram = Larry Bird
Warren Wee Lim says
Clay Bertrand, after seeing your post I never want to see an exclamation point ever again, LOL.
People need to realize that today’s game is pace and space, no traditional big men and guard-centric play. Ben Simmons would be beneficial because now the team would have 2 excellent playmakers/passers. However, he’s going to suffer big time on the space part. Defenses will sag off him and dare him to shoot. And when he doesn’t, its going to raise more questions. Of course he’ll just be 20 and already has high bball IQ.
Ingram fits what we need. He could also grow to be a star beside Russell and Randle and Clarkson. Fit-wise, there couldn’t be any better. Plus with Walton as his coach, the kid will be a star.
A week ago, I even operated on the assumption that we are losing the pick. Now that we have either of BS or BI, I’m not complaining 1 bit. Either way works for me.
As to whether we should trade the pick, the only scenario acceptable to me is #2 overall, Nick Young, Lou Williams –for– Jimmy Butler. Not that I don’t want Paul George, but his pricetag is too high and our team isn’t ready. Let me put it on record, I don’t like Demarcus Cousins at all.
BigCitySid says
– The Brian Shaw piece is interesting. Reading that his coaching job decision will be more “personally” based than “professionally” shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s been fortunate enough to be in that position. And Shaw being an Oakland native, is extremely interested in a open ass’t coaching position made available by Walton leaving the Warriors. While Shaw is interested in GS, not sure if GS is interested in Shaw.
– Wondering if one of my favorite all-time Lakers, 5x NBA champion Michael Cooper, current HC of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream would be interested in joining Walton on the Laker bench? His coaching resume includes ass’t coach w/ Lakers in the mid ’90’s, Nuggets in 2004-5, HC of 2x WNBA champion Sparks (’01& ’02), NBA D-League champ in ’06 & USC women ’09-’13. Think I’ll tweet Walton & Mitch, put a bug in their ear.
George Best says
Ive always been a big Mitch supporter but if he trades this pick for some fringe elite player like Jimmy Butler et al I will not be happy and call for his firing.
Fern says
Warren im sure the Bulls would ask for a lot more than the pick, Nick Young and Lou Williams to even entertain the notion of trading Butler. I don’t see why the Bulls or the Pacers would make a trade that would be considered a step backwards for them. I bet the Bulls would make that trade if it was for brokedown Derrick Rose, not for Butler.
matt says
Boogie cousins would be a nice addition……….. 2 years from now when he becomes a free agent
Fern i think the butler trade is warren’s way of saying we are not willing to give up the farm for one player
Also why would we trade the pick all our players are young and fit together, for a rebuild, why give them up for 1 peice
matt says
I’m wondering if d’angelo russell and julius randle were in this draft, were they would go, I’m thinking russel 2nd, randle 4th
rr says
D’Antoni is supposedly the frontrunner for the…Houston job.
J C says
Thinking a but outside the box –
I’d like to see Bill Walton as a consultant assistant coach at practices or for the big men.
Considered one of the all time great centers in the game until his career derailed by injuries.
Bill player for John Wooden, is a 2-time nba champ and probably had a great deal to do with Luke’s knowledge and understanding of the game.
I also like Big City’s idea of Michael Cooper assisting.
Mitch is on record that the team wants a quick rebuild and prefers not too many young players on the roster at same time, so I wouldn’t get too attached to our pick. (moderated for trade speculation)
R says
Nooooooooooooo I want us to keep the pick! Would much rather have “too much” young talent rather than broken down players who can’t get it done anymore. Seriously, haven’t we had enough of that?
PurpleBlood says
J C,
interesting idea bringing in bill W.
Off T:
have just read this about LeBron´s performance in game against the Raptors…he´s focused i seems:
` He also absorbed his share of contact on his way to the rim, a piece of equipment he tried to dislodge from the backboard on several dunks.¨
Clay Bertrand says
rr, Yep. Mike D. And Morey says they really want to bring Dwight back!!!! lol
Sidenote:
Everyone thinks Phil made a decent hire in NY with Hornacek. While I will not comment here on the hire, I find it interesting that it seems Knicks ownership and other management was NOT on board with hiring Kurt Rambis. So Phil was forced to seriously look outside his comfort zone and on the surface, it looks like he did ok.
But you look closer and realize that Isaiah Thomas, a fave of Knick ownership is also working in NY technically for the NY Liberty. And Hornacek’s Dad was Isaiah’s HS backetball coach and the Dean of the school!!
Did Phil make the Hornacek hire after burning some sage up in Montana or was this hire made by other decision makers and delivered to Phil with a wink and a nudge???
Always some drama with Phil. I like our situation sans Phil.
Anonymous says
By Mike Bresnahan and Broderick Turner• May 18, 2016, 5:00 PM
The Lakers probably won’t have much to decide in next month’s draft.
The Lakers will still conduct due diligence on both players and there’s a chance they trade the pick — or nab a slightly more unexpected player on draft day, much like they did last year by taking D’Angelo Russell at No. 2 instead of Jahlil Okafor.
Ed says
Not much doubt about the #2( whoever Phily rejects) and the the 32nd probably gets traded doesn`t really matter about Luke. The only way they trade away the #2 is if they are very disappointed in the workouts and interviews.
Mid-Wilshire says
Sid, JC, and Purple,
I agree. I very much like the idea of bringing Michael Cooper and Bill Walton onto the coaching staff (either as consultants or actual coaches).
The Lakers’ kids are young and they need real, honest-to-goodness, world-class tutoring. These would be creative — and very positive — appointments.
LordMo says
Keep the pick!
Jimmy Butler has been injured 3 straight seasons now.
Good player but not the next level kind of guy… he is a better value later on in his career as a vet getting MLE dollars.
Calm down people this is a rebuild and even the Lakers cannot short change the process.
We delayed it for years trying to take advantage of Kobe’s window but time to pay the PIPER!
Reed says
Anyone going to summer league? I’ll be there — would be fun to have a FBG gathering at some point.
How do people think our core/assets now compares to other young/rebuilding teams such as Minnesota, Boston, Denver, Orlando, Philly, and Phoenix? I excluded a few teams that are a stage or two ahead of us, by virtue of having veteran talent in place.
What players/assets from these teams are more valuable than the #2 pick in this draft? Clearly Towns, and Philly’s #1 pick is obviously on par, but anything else?
Beyond Minnesota with Towns and Wiggins, does anyone else have two players/assets that are better than the #2 plus Russell? I don’t think there’s anyone on Boston, Denver, Orlando, Philly or Phoenix that I would unequivocally trade Russell for. Close call with Booker, and we’ll see if Ebiid ever gets healthy, but he’s too risky now.
Does anyone have a third best player/asset that is clearly better than Randle? Arguments could be made for various players (Jokic, depending on how you order Denver’s assets; Boston’s #3 pick; etc.), but I think there are arguments for Randle here too.
I guess the point is that landing this pick really advances our relative core/asset strength going forward. Having two 20 and under blue chippers (Russell and Ingram/Simmons) that could become repeat all stars is huge. Becoming a multi-year all star is a hard thing. For all their recent draft picks, I’m not sure anyone on Boston, Orlando or Denver reach that level. Russell and Ingram may not get there, but it’s certainly within the range of reasonably possible outcomes. I don’t think there’s a player or asset on those three teams that I would trade the #2 pick or Russell for.
Minnesota is the one team that clearly has a beat on us because Towns isn’t a maybe; he’s a sure fire annual all star, and likely becomes an mvp candidate. We don’t have that, and that may well distinguish Minnesota from us for years, unless something happens in free agency.
Boston is obviously well ahead of us in terms of current status. But don’t they really just have a collection of extremely well-coached B+ assets? Would you trade the #2 pick or Russell for anyone on their team, or any of the Brooklyn picks? I wouldn’t. Yes, this makes me happy…
Landing the #2 pick also makes me agree with nearly every one else with respect to not trading our core in an impatient attempt to kickstart success. Boston was the one team that was able to pull this off in the summer of Garnett/Allen, but they already had a top 15 player in his prime to build around (Pierce), as well as Rondo, who was entering his prime, and other veteran role players. We don’t have anyone who is ready to compete at the highest level in late round playoff matchups. Our core players all need 4-5 years to develop. That’s a long time. I personally believe Russell will become a top 20 player in the league, but right now he’s still one of the worst starting PGs in the league, all things considered, and he needs years to refine his game.
Because our entire core is in that position, we should let them germinate together. There’s no way to exchange four 18-22 year old “prospects” for four 26-30 year old “stars”; so we might as well enjoy that our key players are on the same timeline and be patient.
Nik Kannan says
I really want to see our team develop holistically and organically this gives us the best chance to create our next dynasty.
So keeping the #2 and using the #32 (I think could be very valuable). In this case we have two major scenarios, in which free agents and trades should be considered. We use the 60 Million in a variety of ways.
Case 1 – Brandon Ingram Draft Pick
In this case – all of our parts serve a purpose, and we don’t have any redundancies. We still have gaps in the front court & Randle still needs to develop a consistent outside shot.
Plan – is to sign Nic Batum (3 year 45 Mil = 15 mil per year) and Whiteside (Max 4 year 80Mil = 20 Mil per/yr, Bradley Beal 3 year 30 mil – 10 mil per year, Ryan Anderson 3 year 10 mil, Jared Dudley 3 year 15 million Mozgov – 3 year 15 mil) Also will need to trade out Nick Young Salary also – Ryan Kelly,Sacre, Black will not be back.
I think Noah is an option and will be chaper than whiteside. DeRozen is an option because Ingram has an outside shot and can space the floor. Whiteside and DeRozen are not option with Simmons
Starting Line Up –
Pg – DAR SG – Bradley Beal SF – Batum PF – Randle C – Whiteside/Noah
Subs – PG – JC, Huertas SG JC, Lou WIlliams, SF – Ingram/Dudley PF – Ryan Anderson/ Dudley C – Mozgov
Case 2 – Ben Simmons Draft Pick
With Ben Simmons we carry a redundancy with Julius – Simmons is a lot like Julius except for better in every way. So Juluis would have to go. Also with Simmons floor spacing becomes our primary issue on offense.
Plan – is to sign Nic Batum (3 year 45 Mil = 15 mil per year) and Al Horford (Max 5 year 100Mil = 20 Mil per/yr, Evan Fournier 3 year 30 mil – 10 mil per year, 15 million Mozgov – 3 year 15 mil) Same thing with Young-l need to trade out Nick Young Salary also – Ryan Kelly,Sacre, will not be back.
I then think with our #32 pick we will try to get a version of Ingram in Thon Maker. We have to trade Randle- and with it goes Young and Jordan Clarkson. Reasonable pick ups would need to be stretch 4’s and 3’s who can really score and defend. List includes Paul George, Jimmy Butler, DeMarcus Cousins. Let assume we can get Boogie (18 Mil / yr) – we can not give up more than clarkson and Randle plus filer not sure we can trade a 1st round pick or not (future)
Pg – DAR SG – Bradley Beal SF – Ben Simmons PF Cousins – C – Al Horford
Subs – PG – Fournier / Huertas SG Fournier / Lou WIlliams, SF – Batum/Maker PF – Black/Simmons C – Mozgov
Lots of hypothetical – my biggest point is that we have to adapt our strategy to suit our pick be it Ingram or Simmons and depending on the pick our roster will need to focus on certain things.
The major thing is we need more talent, we need better ath., we need better outside shooting, and we need more depth of talent – pretty much regardless of the pick
And I would really like to see our pick be preserved.
Cheers
Shaun says
nik – these are pipe dreams – every single non max guy on your list will get at least double if not triple what you are suggesting – ryan amderson will get at least 10-12m per year , beal likely a max deal, mozgov at least 8 if not 10 – bring more realistic ideas
Shaun says
anyone read dwights q and a interview on espn – really good read …. wonder where he goes next … would it be inconceivable for him to come back if we signed another 1-2 guys that could help … what we all said about dantoni and Dwight was acurate
Anonymous says
Beal a Max deal???
Well i did forget Brown and Nance.
Vasheed says
I think our core has some redundancy as is that will likely be worse if we get Simmons. Nance performed very well last year while still not fully healthy. We tend to forget that Black’s natural position is in fact PF. We have pretty good odds of retaining him as he is a RFA. Lastly we have Randle. We have a glut of talent at PF and I think Randle is expendable especially if we get Simmons.
Clarkson is SG who through vigorous dedication learned to play PG but really still is a 2. Russell seems to also play more like a SG but with his amazing court vision is being asked to play PG. In essence they are both combo guards. So I see them as having some redundancy too. However, 3 guard rotations work pretty well. I think adding a Floor General type PG to this back court would be more ideal than Russell/Clarkson being backed up by Williams.
I wouldn’t sell the cow for magic beans but, considering the redundancy built into the line-up and sheer number of young players I think trades should be part of the off-season solution whether for youngish vets or other young players who might fit better.
Anonymous says
It’s bizarre to me that people are discussing trading the # 2 pick for a vet. Just bizarre. It’s almost as if somebody out there believes that the Lakers are going to be competing in the second round of the playoffs in either next year or in 2017-2018.
Here’s a tip. They won’t.
So, the question is really whether trading Ingram makes sense because of how much better a player like Butler will be when he’s 29 and Ingram is 21. And there is a substantial likelihood he won’t be much better by that point, and even if he is, the window will be only for a year or two, and then favors Ingram for the next 8 years.
On top of which, Butler isn’t simply replacing Ingam. He’s also consuming a ton of cap room that LA could spend on another player, such as Harrison Barnes. Is Barnes the same player Butler is ? Nope. But I’d rather have $25 million committed to Barnes and Ingram (on rookie K) for the next 4 years, than the same amount committed to Butler.
It just doesn’t make sense to give up on a likely franchise multi-time all star, on an upcoming rookie contract, for an established star who is going to be entering his decline in 2-3 years, when the entire rest of your team isn’t going to be anywhere near ready to do serious playoff competition during the rest of the star’s prime.
Simple math.
P.S. Please stop floating garbage players like Beal and Whiteside as ‘additions’ to the team. Quality players actually help their team win. Beal is a low efficiency chucker, who doesn’t fit amongst the current Lakers backcourt even during the rare windows of health he allegedly experiences, and Whiteside is perhaps the player in the league with the most misleading stats that would erroneously lead on to the conclusion that he actually contributes to his team’s defense. He doesn’t.
Vasheed says
The problem many fans have is that they assume the draft picks are gold. They discard that for every Durant/Lebron there is an Anthony Bennet, Kwame Brown, Greg Oden, or Sam Bowie. It is the gambler’s addiction. They only remember the winning hands.
I’m happy we got the pick. I like the guys available at the 2nd slot. But I am very sober realizing that they are far from locks to being perennial All-Stars..
LordMo says
@Anon
Thank you!!! Someone gets it! We are not even close! And people want to add scrubs to the team. Butler (nice player not a #1 guy), Fournier, Beal, Whiteside …. RYAN WHO?
Man please get a grip!
Also, I would chuck this entire team to get Simmons. And would taylor my offense to this kids talents. But the point is moot… he goes to Philly. We are getting Ingram unless Jaylen Brown or Bender wow the FO. I’m of the opinion that Duke has produced the most underwhelming pro talent ever during Coach K’s reign. So, I would never take a Duke player anyway but there are exceptions.
J C says
Vasheed,
As usual your analysis is spot-on regarding roster redundancies. Between Russell, Clarkson, Williams and whomever else they could nab in FA, I believe the front office views Clarkson as the most expendable.
Just a hunch. He’s performed well, but Russell is the heir apparent at the 1 and the 2 spot has been occupied for years here by a hall of fame guy.
Hence the Derozan talk.
Agree also on the logjam at the 4, and I think we’d keep Simmons over Randle, if it comes to that.
I’m not necessarily advocating the pick be traded.
I’m only speculating based on Mitch and Jim’s impatience and deadlines.
Retaining the pick this year gives us options!
Fun for fans and more considerations (work) for the team’s management.
matt says
Lord mo
I was also concerned of a duke product being overrated due to coaching, , prior duke top picks,,, okafor, jabari parker, kyrie irving
matt says
I apologize, ingram was the #3 rated high school prospect in 2015, so he was a top prospect before duke,,, only behind, simmons and skal