2016 NBA Draft: The Lakers' Strategies and Picks
The 2016 NBA Draft was highly anticipated, and the Lakers were no exception. With a rich history and a passionate fan base, the team was looking to make an immediate impact with its draft picks. However, the challenge for the front office was to select the right players that fit the team's needs and vision. In this article, we will examine the Lakers' strategies and picks in the 2016 NBA Draft.
Strategy 1: Rebuilding the Frontcourt
The Lakers had a disappointing season in 2015-16, finishing with the second-worst record in the league. However, the team had a solid foundation in its backcourt with the likes of D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson. The frontcourt, on the other hand, needed some serious reinforcements. The Lakers addressed this need by selecting power forward Brandon Ingram with the second overall pick. Ingram had an impressive season at Duke University, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability. He was viewed as the best forward prospect in the draft and was considered a franchise-changing player. The Lakers also selected center Ivica Zubac in the second round, adding another big man to their roster.
Strategy 2: Adding Veteran Leadership
The Lakers were aware that their young players needed guidance and mentorship from experienced veterans. To address this, they signed veteran forward Luol Deng and center Timofey Mozgov to free-agent contracts. Deng had previously played for the Miami Heat, while Mozgov had won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Both players brought a wealth of experience and leadership to the team, helping the young players develop their skills and basketball IQ.
The Picks: Ingram and Zubac
The Lakers' top pick in the draft was Brandon Ingram, and he lived up to expectations in his rookie season. Despite averaging only 9.4 points per game, Ingram showed flashes of brilliance and potential as a future star. He demonstrated his ability to shoot from beyond the arc and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. The Lakers' second-round pick, Ivica Zubac, also showed promise as a young center. He had a solid debut season, averaging 7.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. His size and mobility make him a valuable asset to the Lakers' frontcourt.
The 2016 Los Angeles Lakers: A Season of Progression
The 2016 NBA season was a critical moment for the Lakers' franchise. After finishing with the second-worst record in the league in the previous season, the team was looking to rebuild and make strides towards competitiveness. In this article, we will examine the Lakers' progress and growth throughout the 2016 season.
Improvement of Young Players
The Lakers' roster was filled with young talent, including D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Jordan Clarkson. Each player had shown glimpses of potential in their rookie seasons but needed to take the next step in their development. The 2016 season saw significant improvement from all three players. Russell improved his scoring and playmaking ability, while Randle became a rebounding machine, averaging 8.6 rebounds per game. Clarkson also stepped up as a consistent scoring threat off the bench, averaging 14.7 points per game. With each player making strides in their development, the future looked bright for the Lakers' franchise.
Veteran Leadership
The Lakers brought in seasoned veterans Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov to provide leadership and mentorship to the young players. Deng and Mozgov provided stability to the roster, helping to guide the young team through the ups and downs of the season. Their leadership was crucial in the team's overall growth and progression.
Ingram's Rookie Season
The Lakers' top pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Brandon Ingram, had a promising rookie season. Although he struggled with his shooting early on, Ingram showed significant improvement as the season progressed. He demonstrated his potential as a future star, averaging 9.4 points per game and 4.0 rebounds per game. Ingram's length and athleticism were his standout qualities, making him a valuable asset to the Lakers' roster. With Ingram's continued development, the Lakers had a budding star to build their future around.
Conclusion
The 2016 NBA Draft and season were instrumental in the Lakers' rebuilding process. The team made smart picks and recruited veteran leadership to help their young players develop. As a result, the Lakers saw improvement from their players and a bright future ahead. The 2016 season may not have resulted in a winning record, but it was a season of progress and growth for the storied franchise.
