Los Angeles Lakers: F / Andrew Bynum, Ronny Turiaf and Von Wafer

This is perhaps the most befuddling draft choices in Laker history. Bynum has so much game and life maturity to achieve he could be finally coming into his own – in about 3-4 years. He’s gifted but so far away right now from contributing that this pick – thought to be the beginning of the road back, but looking much more like a flat tire – is potentially tragic. Turiaf, a highly regarded West coast banger could be three years into making his presence felt before Bynum ever earns serious minutes. Wafer earned raised eyebrows after a bad workout in Chicago in which he reportedly lost his cool. For the Lakers, much will have to fall right and many will have to be wrong.

Posted by Bonn1997:

I thought this was interesting. It was the only F they gave out. If Bynum's as great as some posters have made him out to be, hoopshype will certainly have to eat their words.

Los Angeles Lakers: F / Andrew Bynum, Ronny Turiaf and Von Wafer

This is perhaps the most befuddling draft choices in Laker history. Bynum has so much game and life maturity to achieve he could be finally coming into his own – in about 3-4 years. He’s gifted but so far away right now from contributing that this pick – thought to be the beginning of the road back, but looking much more like a flat tire – is potentially tragic. Turiaf, a highly regarded West coast banger could be three years into making his presence felt before Bynum ever earns serious minutes. Wafer earned raised eyebrows after a bad workout in Chicago in which he reportedly lost his cool. For the Lakers, much will have to fall right and many will have to be wrong.

A bit harsh- but I thought the lakers were closer to competiting and therefore better served by getting a more ready player.

I think this will be the first year that Phil goes to the lottery

Posted by technomaster:

There's no good reason why the Lakers should be worse than last year. Mihm's career is headed back in the right direction... and Phil Jackson should be able to get better play out of Butler and Odom, and the rest of the folks.

They need to be careful about Kobe crushing Bynum's confidence w/ criticism.

Posted by Pharzeone:

The reason for the F is that the Lakers are more of a win now them as presently constructed. Phil has a 3 year contract, there is a good chance that Phil won't be around when Bynum develops into a possible all-star, It is hard to predict things, but guys like Odom could be gone as well. Now if Briggs is right and the kid doesn't need at least 3 years to develop and can give you 18ppg and 10rpg now, then that grade looks ridculous.