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Post Draft: Mitch Kupchak

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The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired the draft rights to Jordan Clarkson, selected 46th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, from the Washington Wizards in exchange for cash considerations, it was announced tonight by General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

Clarkson, a 6’5’’ junior guard from Missouri, was named Second Team All-SEC by the coaches in his lone season with the Tigers. An early entry candidate, Clarkson ranked among NCAA leaders in both free throws made (72nd) and percentage (101st), as well as field goals (51st) in 2013-14. The San Antonio, TX native spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at Tulsa, where he was selected First Team All-Conference USA in 2011-12, following his C-USA All-Freshman team honors in 2010-11.

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Lakers Acquire Draft Rights to Jordan Clarkson

Mike Trudell

With the No. 7 pick in the 2014 Draft in Brooklyn on Thursday, the Lakers selected Kentucky freshman forward Julius Randle.

"I couldn't be more blessed and fortunate to go to an organization like Los Angeles, said Randle, the team's highest selection since James Worthy went No. 1 in 20. "They've had so much history and so much success in the past, and to be able to go to an organization like that … I couldn't be more happy. This is truly a blessing for me."

A coveted prospect who averaged 32.5 points and 22.5 boards as a senior at Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano, Texas, Randle helped lead the University of Kentucky all the way to the National Championship game as a freshman. He started all 40 games for UK, leading the Wildcats in points (15.0) and rebounds (10.4). He set Kentucky freshman records in double-doubles (24), boards (417), and free throws made (204) as the SEC Freshman of the Year, and was named to the All-SEC First Team.

Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said he and his staff were surprised that Randle was still on the board at No. 7, acknowledging that they'd coveted the 6-9, 250-pounder throughout the season.

"He has big-time skills," said Kupchak. "He can put the ball on the floor, he can drive, he can get to the rim … he plays and competes at a very high level."

Big and strong enough to bully most opponents at the collegiate level, Randle didn't always have to use what the Lakers feel is a well-developed face-up game, and an improving jump shot. Randle feels he has some versatility that will help him at the professional level, particularly with the game getting smaller in recent years.

"A lot of the league is going to small ball, but the good thing about me, I'm interchangeable," he offered. "I can play small ball because I can guard multiple positions because I can really move. But I think it's going to be an advantage for me to be able to take a smaller guy inside but also take a bigger guy on the outside."

Randle does have a foot issue about which the Lakers are aware, but not concerned, as Kupchak said he expects Randle to be ready for training camp. Randle added that he's going to seek other opinions on the foot from doctors, but said "I'll be there" when asked about the start of the season.

Randle appears to be the kind of player that Kobe Bryant is really going to like, known for an aggressive, all-business attitude on the court and a fiery, competitive spirit.

"(Bryant) may get tired of me because I'm going to be bugging him trying to learn stuff from him," Randle explained. "I demand a lot from my teammates as well, holding each other accountable, putting extra work in was what I had to do at Kentucky."

Randle also had a message for the teams that passed on him, suggesting they would "regret it."

In just a few months, Randle will have his chance to prove it while wearing the purple and gold.

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The Newest Laker: Julius Randle

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Draft 1-on-1: Julius Randle

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Lakers Select: Julius Randle

Several top prospects in Thursday’s 2014 NBA Draft assembled at the Westin New York at Times Square on the day before the festivities to take questions from assembled media.

Below is a transcription of selected comments:

Marcus Smart, Oklahoma State
Q: How are you feeling about everything right now?
Smart: Calm. A lot of people have been asking me that. My family’s been asking me. I’m calm right now. I really can’t say how I’ll be feeling tomorrow night, but whatever I’m feeling, I’m gonna go with it.

Q: Which teams did you go back to for a second workout?
Smart: I’ve been back to L.A., the Lakers. I’ve been back to Orlando. And, I’ve been back to Boston.

Q: Do you agree that this is one of the better Draft classes in recent memory?
Smart: Definitely. It’s pretty crazy. Everyone knows from the top through the end of the Lottery, there’s a lot of talented guys in there. Beyond that, you can go down to the late first and early second round and still find a lot of really talented players. This class is definitely one of the better classes.

Q: A long time scout said one of the best things about you is that if you were drafted and they said you were going to be the starting small forward next season, you would just embrace it and go to work. What does that say about you as a person and player?
Smart: I think it says a lot. I think it shows how willing I am to do anything to help the team, that I work hard and never back down from a challenge. I was able to play one through four this year in college. I’m not saying I can play one through four in the NBA. That’s a whole different level, but if a team drafted me and asked me to play there, I’d definitely take it on.

Zach LaVine, UCLA
Q: What’s going to be going through your mind when Adam Silver calls your name tomorrow night?
LaVine: I’m just going to be so ecstatic and my emotions will be all over the place, but I know it’s going to be fun.

Q: It seems like you’ve been moving up lately, especially once workouts started to kick into high gear. Did you think that would happen?
LaVine: Yeah. During the season, I thought I was pretty high. I think I was kind of around seven or eight, and then it dropped, which I didn’t understand, because you’re the same player when you’re put at eight. Coming into this process, I knew I’d have to prove some doubters wrong. I’m a confident person. I feel like I had a really, really good Pre-Draft Camp. I’m just thankful to be here. Thankful that I put in the hard work.

Q: Did you feel like you were maybe held back a little at UCLA?
LaVine: Maybe I didn’t get to show everything I can do. But, I had a great season at UCLA. We had a team that had five potential draft picks. We were really good. Coach (Steve) Alford had a really good idea for us. We went to the Sweet Sixteen, and probably could have gone even further. I’m happy about the way my freshman season at UCLA went.

Doug McDermott, Creighton
Q: What was it like to lead the nation in scoring?
McDermott: You can’t really express the feeling. Just looking back, I still have to pinch myself reflecting on what all happened. It was a really cool experience.

Q: What have you done to prepare yourself for the NBA game and lifestyle?
McDermott: It’s different. I’ve been in college for four years, so all of a sudden I’m going to have a lot more free time. I’m definitely going to be in the gym even more than I was. Obviously I’m getting paid money to do it now, so it is a job and you have to take it real seriously because there are a lot of good players in this world that could come up and take your job at some point. I think for me, just adjusting to a new team will be real important and getting into the right system and playing for the right coach.

Q: What specifically have you been looking to work on over the last couple of months?
McDermott: Ball-handling a lot. I feel like there is a lot of space in the NBA, and the more you can create for yourself the more successful you’re going to be. I think a lot of people label me as just a spot-up shooter, but I think I’m a lot more than that. I feel like I can put the ball on the floor and also come off screens really well, so I’ve been working on that a lot.

Elfrid Payton, Louisiana-Lafayette
Q: Do you think your length gives you an advantage?
Payton: I think my length can help me. A lot of guys in the NBA are great at scoring and I think my length can help affect that.

Q: Who are some players in the NBA that you have studied?
Payton: My coach gave me a lot of articles on Damian Lillard. We watched some workout videos of Damian Lillard. That is someone that my coach really introduced me to. I saw how hard Damian worked, some of the things that he went through with going to a small school, and how he became successful in the NBA.

Q: Does going to a smaller school matter anymore?
Payton: I learned that going to a smaller school means nothing at this point. We are all no longer in college and we are all on an even playing field. I realized this when I was 19 years old in the summer trials. There were a lot of great players at the trials. I always felt that I could play with them.

Nik Stauskas, Michigan
Q: We’re now hours away. How much research have you done on teams that may draft you?
Stauskas: You do a little research on teams that you work out for and the guys that have your position. Their strengths and weaknesses. I’ve done a little research but at the end of the day I will leave it up to them. It will be their decision and I feel like I’ve done all that I can do to impress them in the workouts and the rest is up to them.

Q: Did you notice a more positive reaction based on what you did in the workouts?
Stauskas: Teams seem to have liked me and that may have been why the mock drafts are saying what they are saying but I’ve showed my game. I’ve showed what I have been doing the last two years at Michigan and teams like that.

Q: Do you care about mock drafts at all, because clearly over the last few months your stock has risen?
Stauskas: I’m used to the internet so people are going to write what they want to write but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s true. That’s why I took the workouts very seriously and just tried to do my best in all of those.

Jabari Parker, Duke
Q: What makes your game NBA ready?
Parker: Right now, I’m in the process. I don’t think that I’m prepared as soon as possible. I think the summer league will get me better adjusted with the new rules and the defensive changes. Then I’ll be able to prove myself.

Q: What kind of conversations have you had with Coach K about the transition to the NBA, since he’s coached the Olympic team so much.
Parker: To remain professional. Everywhere they let you go, it’s a business. It’s your responsibility to represent yourself, represent that character that he taught me at Duke.

Andrew Wiggins, Kansas
Q: How’s the whole draft process been for you?
Wiggins: It’s been going good. I’m just enjoying my time, enjoying the city, and enjoying being here with the other players. You only go through it one time, so you have to make the best of it. There are no comebacks at the draft. I don’t want to look back two days from now and be like ‘I should have done that.’ You just have to live for the moment right now.

Q: Do you have a feel on which of the top teams really want you?
Wiggins: You never really know, especially from team-to-team there are a lot of trades that could happen. You never know what could happen at draft day.

Q: Does that unknown make it exciting or confusing for you?
Wiggins: It’s anxious. You want to know what’s going to happen because tomorrow is the day that you find out your destiny and everything changes. You find out the city you’re going to live in and where you’re going to spend the next four years.

Tyler Ennis, Syracuse
Q: Do you feel like you have an extra responsibility to be a role model for kids in Canada?
Ennis: As a professional athlete, you have a responsibility regardless to be professional off the court and work hard on the court. I’m going to act the same way and hopefully that’s a role model for kids.

Q: Where is Canada in terms of producing basketball talent?
Ennis: I think the foundation is being built as we speak. To have, potentially, two No. 1 picks is something that I don’t think five years ago people would’ve believed. To have eight people in the draft; I don’t think anyone would’ve believed that as well. We have a bunch of programs and coaches that are doing well for the kids. I think as we move forward in the next couple of years, we’ll have a foundation and the grassroots system that you’re talking about.

Q: You’ve dreamed about playing in the NBA when you were 14 or 15. Has it been easier or harder than you thought to get to this point?
Ennis: It’s definitely been tough. Not only basketball, but off the court. Coming from Canada, it’s not the same as American players who grow up in front of the eyes as these scouts and analysts. We kind of show up on the scene when we’re 15 and have three summers to get our name out there. That could help you or it could definitely hurt you.

Dante Exum, Australia
Q: How would you describe your game for those who haven’t seen you play?
Exum: I’m quick off the dribble. I like to take my man off the dribble and get to the basket, but I’m also unselfish and will make some plays for teammates.

Q: How was playing in Australia prepared you for this next challenge?
Exum: It definitely helped me develop as a professional athlete, learning how to take care of my body, the importance of nutrition and all the things you do off the court. And on the court, I’ve had some of the best coaches working with me.

Q: Do you kind of view yourself as the international man of mystery?
Exum: Yeah, it’s funny. I didn’t understand it at first, being the international mystery guy, but being in the States now walking down the street, people start to notice who you are. It’s a good thing. You get those people who say, “Hey, is that Dante Exum?” It’s good to be known, but it’s also good to be the mystery man also.

Aaron Gordon, Arizona
Q: Now that this process is wrapping up, how are you feeling about things?
Gordon: I’m getting there man. I’m excited as each minute goes by. The realization is setting in that one of my lifelong goals is finally here.

Q: At what pick will you start to scoot forward on your chair and think ‘this is the one?’
Gordon: No. 1. I’m just going to be so excited the entire time, scooted forward on my chair, just waiting for my name to be called. I don’t really care what number it is, I just want to get it called.

Q: Is there a certain message you’re trying to get across to teams as you meet with them?
Gordon: I’m coming in to contribute right away, 100 percent. I’m here to win, I’m here to play defense. That’s pretty much my main message, I’m here to contribute right away.

Q: Is your passing something you’ve had to develop?
Gordon: I suppose so. I think that passing and dribbling are two things you have to have to play basketball. That’s just me. My entire life it’s been dribbling and passing as some things you do when playing basketball.

Q: What do you think separates you from Noah Vonleh and Julius Randle?
Gordon: Motor and defensive intensity. That’s pretty much it. Those are the two main things I believe.

Julius Randle, Kentucky
Q: Where do you think you’re going to get picked tomorrow?
Julius Randle: I have no clue. I’ve gotten good feelings from teams, and I’m not going to say who, and I feel confident. But with these things you never know who may make trades. Trades up, trades down, you can never be 100 percent sure. A team can tell you they want you there but you can never be 100 percent sure. I don’t put anything into it. Tomorrow I will go in with an open mind and wherever I go, I will be blessed regardless.

Q: What has this opportunity meant for you and your family?
Randle: It means a lot. We’ve been through a lot and they’ve seen all the hard work I put in and all that I’ve been through. They’re just excited for me and the time to come.

Q: What does being drafted into the NBA mean for you?
Randle: It means a lot. You grow up as a kid with a dream of maybe to play in college and maybe play varsity basketball in high school. As I got older my dreams kept getting bigger and bigger. I learned not to put a limit on things no matter what the situation is and that’s what I did. To be 24 hours away from a lifelong dream is pretty amazing to me. It’s pretty surreal and I still can’t comprehend it all right now.

Q: How frustrating was it to deal with the reports that you needed foot surgery?
Randle: It was frustrating when I initially heard it but I could care less. I don’t put anything into it. I know what teams are saying and what’s the deal and I have no idea how it got out there but it’s something that’s out of my control.

Noah Vonleh, Indiana
Q: When did you know you were ready for the NBA?
Vonleh: It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the NBA. I always thought I was going to be ready, I just wanted to get a feel for how college basketball would be. Everything worked out the right way and I was able to be a one-and-done player.

Q: What’s the biggest thing you’ll have to adjust to off the court?
Vonleh: Off the court, adjusting to the lifestyle. So many people will want to be your friend, coming at you for different things.

Q: How do you think Indiana prepared you for this?
Vonleh: Indiana’s prepared me with Coach Crean pushing me every day. My work ethic too, being in the gym every day. A lot of the managers up at Indiana were pushing me too.

Q: Did Indiana’s struggles ever worry you about how scouts might look at you?
Vonleh: I thought about it a little bit. I thought they were going to question and say ‘oh, he’s not a winner.’ It doesn’t look like it’s affected me too much, though, it still looks like I can go top 5, top 10. I think it all worked out pretty well.

Q: Is your length and athleticism the best quality you bring to the table?
Vonleh: No, I think I can rebound the ball and I’m real versatile. I can play inside and out.

Q: What’s your thought on the idea of playing a stretch-four?
Vonleh: I think that would be a great spot for me. I like to face-up, shoot the ball, take guys off the dribble. I think the stretch four would be a great position for me. At Indiana, I had to play the five because there was really no other option, so I just played within the system and had to do what was best for the team.

prospect-quote-roundup

Prospect Quote Roundup

Joey Ramirez

Of the 12 prospects the Lakers worked out on June 4, the team brought back Aaron Gordon, Elfrid Payton and Marcus Smart for a second session on Friday.

Accompanying the three were P.J. Hairston (Texas Legends), Nik Stauskas (Michigan) and Matthew Hezekiah (South Carolina St.). Stauskas was originally scheduled to work out for the Lakers during the June 4 session, but canceled because of a shoulder injury.

"I hurt my shoulder that week so my agent didn’t want me going out feeling less than 100 percent so we just rescheduled for this week," Stauskas said. "I was glad they got some of these guys back today and I got to go against high competition."

Stauskas spent two seasons at Michigan and has been heralded as one of the better shooters in the NBA Draft. Despite skipping his final two years of college, the Canada native finished his career fifth all-time in three-point field goal percentage (44.10) and eighth all-time in three-pointers made (172) in program history.

"I think I offer a skill set that not many people have – the ability to really shoot it and put it on the floor and create for others," Stauskas said. "There’s parts of my game I’m working on, but offensively right now, I feel like there’s not a lot of people that can do what I do."

Along with Stauskas on Friday, Smart and Payton were two other combo guards participating, this time for a second workout. The possibility of playing alongside Kobe Bryant in the backcourt is something that has crossed Smart's mind on more than one occasion.

"I've thought about it plenty of times," he said. "Kobe is one of the greatest all time. To play with him and under him and have him as a mentor would be phenomenal."

Physically, Smart is one of the bigger prospects at the guard position, although he tested well athletically at the NBA Pre-Draft Combine in Chicago last month. One of his main goals during his second workout was to show the Lakers brass his ability as a playmaker. Smart ranked fifth in assists in Big 12 play (4.7) while at Oklahoma State during the 2013-14 campaign.

"Just trying to make plays, not for myself, but for my teammates also," Smart said. "Just show them I can play the point guard position if needed, but I can play off the ball also."

For Payton, he recently received an invite to the NBA Draft green room, a sign he could be drafted somewhere in the lottery (the NBA also extends invitations to other projected first-round selections later). As a junior at Louisiana Lafayette, Payton won the Lefty Driesell Award, an honor given annually to the nation's best defensive player. He also earned First Team All-Sun Belt honors for the second straight season and was named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year. Payton believes his biggest strength that he can bring to the NBA is his defensive ability.

Gordon is also someone who has been lauded for his skills on the defensive end, the third prospect of the group who worked out for a second time in front of Lakers coaches and management. He helped anchor Arizona's defense during his freshman campaign, which ranked No. 6 in the nation in points per game allowed (58.6) and fourth in field-goal percentage (38.0). Although he was inconsistent on the offensive end as far as his jump shot (42.2 percent free throws), Gordon believes he's improved in that area of his game since the season ended, in part due to his confidence.

"I have all the tools," he said. "Now it's just sharpening my tools ... There's not one area I'm not focusing on. I'm focusing on every single aspect of my game, from top to bottom. All the little nuances, all the little intricacies, I'm focusing on all of that."

With the NBA Draft less than one week away, we'll find out soon enough who the Lakers select.