Lakers’ week in review
The Lakers had high hopes that their 21.5% lottery odds would result in a top-three pick. Instead, they dipped from sixth position to seventh in yet another frustrating week for the franchise.
If the team had lucked into a top-three pick, it might have had ammunition to attempt a trade for Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star forward Kevin Love.
Instead, Tuesday’s lottery saw the Cleveland Cavaliers jump all the way from ninth to first -- perhaps dimming the Lakers’ chance at Love while putting them in the range of players like Aaron Gordon (Arizona) and Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State).
Although he would have liked a better result, General Manager Mitch Kupchak said the Lakers can get good player with the seventh pick in the draft.
Kupchak, and a large contingent of Lakers executives and scouts, took in a Friday workout in Santa Monica featuring UCLA guard Zach LaVine and Arizona forward Gordon.
Meanwhile, the Lakers still are looking for a head coach.
Kevin Ollie came off the market, agreeing to a new contract with at the University of Connecticut.
Veteran coach Mike Dunleavy interviewed for the Lakers’ coaching position, as did Byron Scott, who said on radio he’s a “perfect fit” for the team.
Whoever the team hires, Kupchak said the coach will need to get the most out of Kobe Bryant.
Finally, forward Ryan Kelly received consideration for NBA all-rookie teams, after a solid season with the Lakers.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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