Laker Report: A Non-Playoff Finish Could Become Worse

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A Non-Playoff Finish Could Become Worse
By Mike Bresnahan, Times Staff Writer
February 28 2006

There may not be a silver lining for the Lakers if they don't make the playoffs.

They could miss out on the postseason for the second consecutive season and still not have a draft lottery pick.

As part of a five-player trade in August 2004, the Lakers sent a first-round pick to Boston that was lottery-protected last season — meaning the Lakers, because their choice was a lottery choice, got to keep it and draft 17-year-old Andrew Bynum.

But they lose the pick this year unless it is among the draft's top 11. There are 14 picks overall in the lottery.

Either way, the Lakers still have a first-round selection because they get Miami's as part of the Shaquille O'Neal trade, although it will likely be toward the end of the round.

"I don't think it changes anything," Laker General Manager Mitch Kupchak said. "Nowadays it's unusual where you get a player that's going to help you win right away. It usually takes a year or two or three. We look at our draft choices as a way to replenish our system with young players, knowing their contributions aren't going to come for a while."

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lakers0505 · Franchise Player Joined: 23 Jun 2005 Posts: 10701

ahh mitch said some more useless information, what a suprise

kells1220 · Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 4:04 pm Post subject:

Umm...Mitch needs to change his thinking. You can absolutely draft a player that can contribute right away. Even if they aren't going to contribute right away you can base your choice on talent and need. Either way they should be ready for the NBA.

DaggerInTheHeart · Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 4:05 pm Post subject:

I guess Kuppy hasn't been following Danny Granger yet

Kobe2Clark · Star Player Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 6047

laker4life · Star Player Joined: 26 Nov 2001 Posts: 7317

Boy, cupcake really knows how to stick his shoes in his mouth.

If it takes two to three years to help a team, what is going on with his trade, K. Brown. Has he contributed? No.

How about K Rush? Opps. I forgot. Let's trade him for a second rounder so that we can start all over again.

How about just admit that some players can contributed if I knew how to pick them.

gdballa03 · Starting Rotation Joined: 02 Jan 2006 Posts: 263

Mjr. Pwnage · Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 4:55 pm Post subject:

And not that I adocate picking him over Bynum, but Danny Granger could help this team win right now.
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kells1220 · Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 5:04 pm Post subject:

Seriously, all Mitch seems to do is make excuses for himself. There is plenty he couldv'e done to improve this team. His comments make me sick, he really is clueless.

Shapecity · Starting Rotation Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 527

Mitch makes zero sense. He's trying to sell the 2007 plan which is two seasons from now. If the goal is to win in 2 years wouldn't a talented prospect who's going to take 2 years to contribute be useful?

LAL25 · Starting Rotation Joined: 03 Jun 2002 Posts: 885

It is just appaling to hear Mitch say that. I wonder how the Mitch apologists can spin that one?

Shapecity · Starting Rotation Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 527

Tarzan008 · Star Player Joined: 23 Jun 2005 Posts: 2761

can I understand the 07' plan........but only if we were guaranteed a lebron or Bosh type player.......But there is no guarantee.....so......

akula · Starting Rotation Joined: 21 May 2001 Posts: 955

for the long term future of this franchise, Mitch must be fired. I rather see him get fired because we miss the playoff this year than he stays for another 2-3 years and totally ruins Kobe's prime.

kells1220 · Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 6:14 pm Post subject:

I agree, he says he's making moves for the future and developing young players, but I don't see it. The Lakers have no bench and few players that can develope into consistent role players. And they definitely don't have any scorers.

Hydro21 · Star Player Joined: 20 May 2005 Posts: 2392 Location: NYC