Lakers Looking at Randle, Smart and Others at No. 7
The latest rumors have the NBA Pacific division Los Angeles Lakers looking at Julius Randle, Marcus Smart, and a few others as they try to decide what player they will choose for their lottery pick, something the franchise is not used to having.
However, on June 26 Los Angeles will have the No. 7 pick in the draft following a horrendous season that saw them win just 25 games, which was the fewest in 54 years when the franchise was in Minneapolis.
However, if Los Angeles wants to return to the best in Los Angeles and the Pacific division they must find a talented star to pair with Kobe Bryant.
The player must be of an All-Star caliber able to make an immediate impact and come through the draft, a trade or free agency.
The team should acquire top quality players in both the draft and through free agency but it is hugely important they find just the right talent to fill that No. 7 spot in the draft.
Marcus Smart the guard from Oklahoma State is high on the list for the Lakers. His is a point guard that has good size and great skills.
He stayed an extra year in college to improve his overall game and most insiders feel it was the right decision on his part.
Smart averaged 18 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and nearly 3 steals per game this past season for the Cowboys.
Smart has apparently worked out for Los Angeles and the team liked the results.
Dante Exum from Australia is considered the best point guard in this year’s draft, but likely will be chosen before No. 7. However, Smart will fill an immediate need for the Lakers if available at No. 7.
Julius Randle had a huge season 
for the Kentucky Wildcats on a team he had to share the spotlight with other talented players.
Randle scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds per game for the Wildcats.
The power forward who is 6-foot-9 is strong inside and has a soft touch from 10 to 12 feet. If the Lakers lose Pau Gasol to free agency, then Randle would be a perfect fit for the club.
Randle injured his foot recently and some believe that might have the Lakers second guessing whether to take the big man.
Randle has a Jones fracture, but a simple procedure should fix that and others that have had that issue never had problems following surgery.
Nevertheless, if Smart is available at No. 7 the Lakers might take him over Randle because of the foot issue.
A dark horse pick for the Lakers could be Elfrid Payton. He is not the big name that Jabari Parker, Andrew Wiggins or Joel Embiid is but he might be in a Los Angeles uniform next season.
The point guard from Louisiana-Lafayette has impressed the Lakers and will return for another workout. Payton possesses toughness, size leadership and defensive skills. If Los Angeles does not take him at No. 7 it is expected the Sacramento Kings will take him at No. 8.
The team has one week to make its decisions and then sweat out 6 picks before them hoping to have the player they want still available when it is their time to pick.
