Lakers Rumors: If the team trades back in the draft, who will they pick?

Gonzaga’s Brandon Clarke would be a surprise player that can help immediately

NBA fans these days are caught up with statistics of college players because of the analytics era that has engulfed the NBA and how teams are built. The question these days are “How much can he score in the NBA game?” “Can he knock down the 3 point shot?” or “Can he help us immediately make a run at Golden State?”

Well, the Houston Rockets have used this model for the last couple of years which added up to quite a price tag. Did they beat Golden State?

The reason why Golden State can find ways to beat these type of teams over the years is that they stop people when engaged. Did anyone see Game 2 of the Finals? 20-0 run that leads to a win.

The message; the Lakers need defenders too. Do they have them? No.

Here’s a step in the right direction for the Los Angeles Lakers. His name? Brandon Clarke out of Gonzaga University. He is all over the mock drafts from 8-14, but he is considered a major sleeper in the draft.

The Los Angeles Lakers will hear that Brandon Clarke can’t shoot very well and his wingspan doesn’t measure up to the other prospects in the draft. Here’s what I have to say to those so-called experts and the Lakers; who cares?

The Los Angeles Lakers would draft this guy because he has a motor and provides energy on BOTH sides of the ball, especially on defense. If you have been paying any attention to how the coaching staff is being constructed, it seems that defense is now becoming mandatory instead of an option.

Frank Vogel is now the head coach of the Lakers, who hangs his hat on defensive principles. The Lakers then hired Lionel Hollins to be an assistant. I can flat guarantee that Kyle Kuzma will not be pushing LeBron James out to the wing to close out for jumpers. If Hollins has a say in what goes on with this roster, no defense, no playing time. It’s that simple.

Let’s look at why Hollins would love Clarke on the defensive end.

What I like about Brandon Clarke is that he will dunk on somebody on a TNT broadcast with Kevin Harlan screaming, WITH NO REGARD FOR HUMAN LIFE!

He reminds me of John Collins for the Atlanta Hawks with the ability to electrify a crowd with rim roaring dunks and athletic blocks that will knock Jack Nicholson’s popcorn out of his hand in the front row or a beer out of Snoop Dogg’s hand way up in his suite. Like this block by Clark.

The Lakers fans need a real “fan favorite” that can get fannies out of the seats and play hard at the same time. Lance Stephenson was exciting at times last season but for every exciting play he made to excite the crowd, he would turn the ball over three times in a row and blow defensive assignments.

Notice I never mentioned rebounding because Lance never did. You have to block out to have those opportunities. Clarke will put a body on somebody.

Plus the Lakers faithful will enjoy the fact he plays hard when he’s on the floor.

Look at Johnathan Williams who played well for the Lakers at the end of the season. He was one of the major cogs of a Lakers team that went 7-6 to finish the season. Why? Because the man competed and played smart.