Los Angeles Lakers 2009 Draft

The Los Angeles Lakers are the most complete team in the NBA, led by the best player in the NBA, Kobe Bryant. It is pretty much guaranteed that the Lakers will beat the Magic this season for the NBA Championship currently holding a 3-1 series lead. If I can think of any positions where the Lakers would need any help would be at PG and SF. The Lakers have three picks this season.

At pick #29 the Lakers should draft:
Marcus Thornton - LSU
SG
6'4" 194 lbs.

Thornton has excellent speed, aggression, and passion. His ball handling and passing skills could still use some help as well. His biggest weakness, like many other draft prospects, is his lack of size and athleticism compared to NBA players. Thornton will spend his first season in the NBDL for the Lakers and develop into a solid backup to Kobe or possible replacement for Fisher or backup to Farmar as well.

At pick #42 the Lakers should draft:
Danny Green - North Carolina
SF
6'6" 208 lbs.

Green is a great clutch performer, shooter, and defender. He has great aggressive ability and finishes strong at the rim when allowed to. His ball handling could use improvement and his stealing and blocking abilities need help also. Green is a good overall player and if he develops well, would be a solid backup to Trevor Ariza and possibly split minutes with him.

At pick #59 the Lakers should draft:
Vladimir Dasic - Montenegro
SF
6'10" 218 lbs.

Dasic most closely compares to a player such as Vladimir Radmanovic with his great height, ability to shoot the NBA length 3-pointer and his ability to post up bigger men down low. He can outmatch smaller SFs and backdown PFs. He shoots 60% from the court. He relies a little too much on his outside shooting ability (22% 3-pointers) and needs to work on his extensive range.

Predicted 2009-2010 record: 61-21