Jan 18, 2014; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Frank Mason (0) brings the ball up court against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second half at Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas won 80-78. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
While the game looked like a blow out at the end of the first half, the adjustments Smart made gave his team a chance to win with under 5 seconds to go. Today simply wasn’t their day to win.
What does this mean for the Lakers? It’s just one game of many, with prospects out of many, to keep track on and find who the next franchise level player is. Talent is one thing, but intelligence and leadership to carry a franchise is another. The Lakers would love the talent of Embiid, the athletic upside of Wiggins, or the skills and character of Smart. Any of them would be great as Laker players in the upcoming 2014 draft.
We just hope the Lakers choose wisely.