Sometimes taking the right approach to acquiring a player is a hint of an organization’s plan.
"10) Toronto (48-34, lost first round):Raps have a decent shot at keeping Kyle Lowry, but there will be suitors — and the Lakers are at the top of the list. – David Aldridge, NBA.com"
While the Lakers should not draft based on need, there may be an exception to the case. While most mock drafts have the Lakers drafting Julius Randle at the #7 pick, including Fansided’s own mock draft, it would make sense to find complementary talent that’ll work well with the starting line up.
May 2, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) controls the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter of game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Enter Kyle Lowry. Kyle Lowry is now entering his prime at 28 years old. He has experience on winning teams with the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors. He has improved his point guard skills throughout his career, averaging a career-high of 7.4 last season. Though he was once a project guard, he refined his offensive game with 3-point shooting and playmaking ability. Last year was a career-year for Kyle Lowry. He averaged 17.9 points per game, 7.4 assists per game, 4.7 rebounds per game, 1.5 steals per game on 42.3% shooting from the field, 38% behind the arc. For him, that is nearly a career-high across the board statistically.
He’s also able play defense at a solid level, and maintains his offensive aggressiveness attacking the basket. He would be a scoring point guard next to Kobe Bryant, taking away playmaking and initiating duties from Bryant, and relieving him of some scoring punch as well.
Bryant may see a future role as a Paul Pierce-type until his health dictates otherwise. Until then, Lowry and Bryant in the backcourt is a scary tandem. Having either player set up Julius Randle in the paint makes for a triumvirate of scoring punch. Randle handles the paint duties. Bryant handles isolation plays and everything in the midrange area. Lowry provides the primary playmaking and 3-point shooting. Offensive balance is a key to success, but it all starts by drafting Randle.
If the Lakers acquire Lowry, it’ll be a big success for the team.