Lakers Rumors: Darius Garland leaves draft combine with possible promise
By Ronald Agers
Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors involve the NBA Draft Combine, where Darius Garland has made some headlines for his decision to leave. Has he received a promise from someone?
Los Angeles Lakers rumors have picked up since the NBA Draft Lottery. The Los Angeles Lakers are still basking in their good fortunes of moving up to the 4th position in the NBA draft.
Now that the lottery is over, Lakers fans can finally move on (like for now) from the front office issues back to the hardwood where the players play.
With the NBA draft combine going on this week, the Lakers rumors will start with a variety of players that the Lakers will possibly select.
Well, let’s start the draft speculation season with interesting information from Shams Charania from The Athletic.
Top prospect Darius Garland has left the NBA Draft Combine, fueling belief among some teams that he could have a promise in lottery, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 15, 2019
With point guards being a premium need these days, it should be no shock to anyone that Garland would be a high draft pick unless he broke windows and backboards with his jump shot. Let’s get past what the world already knows at this point.
When Adam Silver comes out to announce the New Orleans Pelicans pick at number one, it will be Zion Williamson.
When Adam Silver returns to announce the Memphis Grizzlies pick at number two, it will be Ja Morant. Now here’s where things get tricky because the consensus pick probably never links up with what the New York Knicks are thinking. But I digress.
The consensus around the NBA will predict that Adam Silver will announce R.J. Barrett as the pick at number three. Which leads us to your Los Angeles Lakers at number 4.
The ESPN mock draft has Darius Garland listed to fall to the Los Angeles Lakers at their spot.
.@Mike_Schmitz has the Lakers’ best selection being Darius Garland at No. 4. Garland also happens to be repped by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, like LeBron James pic.twitter.com/EGgdoYSRgH
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 15, 2019
This pick highlights two different scenarios for the Lakers if Darius Garland is selected.
The first scenario will end the Rajon Rondo era at one year and Garland can play back up to Lonzo Ball or give the Lakers the option to slide Ball over to the two spot and both can share ball-handling duties.
This will prove very useful if the Lakers continue down the position-less basketball path that was used last year under Luke Walton. More playmakers will be perfect to speed up the pace that will benefit Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram on the wings.
The second scenario will give the Lakers the option of ending the Lonzo Ball era if a trade option presents itself this summer. Even though reports still say that the Pelicans will not do a deal under any circumstances, if they do, let’s just say that Lonzo Ball will definitely be on the list of players that will be traded away. Darius Garland can be the immediate replacement.
The one thing that needs to be looked out for in this particular situation is Darius Garland is represented by Rich Paul, who is LeBron James‘ agent. Any other draft, Lakers fans can say, so what? Not in this case. With the front office seemingly having to show the world that they are in charge, they may select a Jarrett Culver or DeAndre Hunter. Seems ridiculous to pass over a player that the Lakers really could use to contribute immediately but…
Tyronn Lue could have contributed immediately as head coach. Let’s take an in-depth analysis of Darius Garland.