Despite footy surgery, Lakers look at option of choosing centre with their seventh pick.
Previous mock drafts for the highly anticipated 2014 NBA draft have been thrown out the window in the wake of news Joel Embiid will be out of action for between 4-6 months.
After having screws inserted into his foot, the former Kentucky centre is expected to drop from number one to maybe as low as number seven.
That is what the Los Angeles Lakers are hoping for at least.
If Embiid is still up for grabs after the first six teams have picked their star of the future ,the Lakers are willing to gamble on the 7-footer’s long-term health.
“The Lakers would consider selecting Embiid should he become available, according to a person familiar with the Lakers’ thinking. But such an idea would hinge on Embiid’s recovery,” The Los Angeles Daily News said.
“The Lakers are mindful there would be risk in selecting Embiid considering his recent back injury and his current foot fracture. But they are also aware of Embiid’s upside with various draft experts likening him to Hall of Famer center Hakeem Olajuwon. It is unclear what information in Embiid’s medical report and progress the Lakers would need to see that would make them feel comfortable picking Embiid assuming he stays undrafted before the seventh pick.”
If the Lakers are able to pick Embiid at seven and do so, it might be a shrewd move long-term as they try and build back into becoming a force in the Western Conference.
However, the move might not please current superstar Kobe Bryant who could face the possibility of playing out his NBA career on a sub-par team if they do not pick a player who can help him right away.
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