Lakerland revolves around quite possibly the best Laker ever in Kobe Bryant. However, the team will not be needing his clearance on who they should select with the second pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
The Mamba has been the franchise for the last 19 years, but Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak is looking ahead and beginning the post-Kobe era in Los Angeles.
Mark Medina from the Los Angeles Daily News spoke with Kupchak on the matter.
The Lakers have debated how they will use their No. 2 pick. Some options include Duke center Jahlil Okafor, Ohio State point guard D’Angelo Russell or point guard Emmanuel Mudiay, who played professionally last season in China. The Lakers also have the 27th and 34th picks. Kupchak argued such a youth infusion “can make it fun for (Bryant) again,” though Kupchak hopes to add more veteran players during free agency.
Which qualities would any of those No. 2 prospects need to flourish under Bryant’s imposing presence?
“We’re not going to pick a player because he can play with Kobe, likes Kobe or dislikes Kobe,” Kupchak told Los Angeles News Group. “We’re going to pick the player that can have the longest and best career.”
After all, Bryant will enter the 2015-16 season in what could become his last of a storied 20-year career. The Lakers hope their No. 2 pick can lead the franchise following Bryant’s eventual retirement. Still, Kupchak argued, “Kobe is going to impart a work ethic in training camp that will be beneficial to any player we bring.”
Kupchak and the Lakers scored in the 2015 NBA Lottery last month, and will need to definitely make the right selection on June 25th at Barclays Center.