Los Angeles Lakers 2006 Draft Preview
Thursday, June 22, 2006
(Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Lakers returned to the playoffs after a one-year absence. They finished 45-37 during the regular season, but lost in seven games in the first round of the postseason to the Phoenix Suns.
Superstar Kobe Bryant had an unbelievable season, while head coach Phil Jackson returned to the Lakers after a one-year hiatus. The Lakers also got a decent season from forward Lamar Odom and a surprising campaign from guard Smush Parker.
Bryant, who scored an unbelievable 81 points on January 22nd against Toronto, led the league in scoring (35.4 ppg) this past season. He was a one-man show and continued to build his legacy with his clutch performances.
Odom was second on the club in scoring (14.8 ppg) and led the Lakers in rebounding (9.2 rpg) and assists (5.5 apg). The 6-4 Parker, who has also played for Cleveland, Detroit and Phoenix, surprised most with his excellent season, as he played in all 82 games for the Lakers and averaged 11.5 points and 3.7 assists per contest.
Center Chris Mihm, forwards Kwame Brown, Brian Cook, Devean George and Luke Walton contributed at times during the season and all play a big part as Bryant's supporting cast.
The Lakers are still trying to surround Bryant with the right mix of players. Odom is one piece of the puzzle, while the club hopes Brown can develop into a productive power forward.
The 26th overall pick in the first round is a place where the team will simply draft tge best player available. The Lakers do have specific needs, as they need help on the boards and could use a big man who can score around the basket.
Key Player(s): Kwame Brown (Forward). Kobe Bryant (Guard), Forward), Brian Cook (forward), Devean George (Forward), Chris Mihm (Center/Forward), Lamar Odom (Forward), Smush Parker (Guard), Luke Walton (Forward).
Team Needs: Rebounding and a a big man who can score.
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