June 5th: Public asked to name Lakers DL team.

[Phil]

A Buss stop in Ontario?
Paul Oberjuerge, Staff Writer

We may have personal rooting interest here . . .

The Lakers are asking the public to help choose a name for their new NBA Development League team.

Yes, the same team that figures to be one of the first tenants at the 8,900-capacity arena Ontario plans to open near Ontario Mills in the summer of 2008.

The Lakers already have narrowed the names to "quarterfinal" status. They include: D-Dogs, D-Fenders, LA Next, LA Sensation, LA Buss and LA Evolution.

Fans may vote online through Wednesday by visiting www.lakers.com. If you don't want the "LA Buss" to be making stops in Ontario the season after next, make your voice heard. Or your computer's voice, anyway.

[Phil]

Can the Lakers Trade Up to a Lottery Pick?
By Eric Pincus
for HOOPSWORLD.com
Jun 5, 2006, 21:13

With the 2006 NBA Draft just over three weeks away, teams throughout the league continue to work out prospects and talk trade. The Los Angeles Lakers, holding both the 26th and 51st picks, have worked out a wide range of players at each and every position. Some of the prospects will be lucky to be drafted at all. Others, including Brandon Roy, will be picked well before the Lakers are on the clock.

Getting a workout with Roy, who has cancelled with a number of teams outside of the top ten picks, suggests the Lakers are exploring a trade up. Unfortunately it can be very difficult to get a deal done for a high lottery pick without giving up something special. The following breaks down the lottery teams, pick-by-pick . . . and what it might take for LA to get something done: