Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchack told the Los Angeles Daily News that the team is not looking for Bryant’s seal of approval when deciding what to do with the second overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
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“We’re not going to pick a player because he can play with Kobe, likes Kobe or dislikes Kobe,” Kupchak told Los Angeles News Group. “We’re going to pick the player that can have the longest and best career.”
Kupchak’s comments suggests that the Lakers’ thought process on who they’ll pick second overall differs from the team picking above them. The Timberwolves have said that Kevin Garnett will be an important part of their vetting process of the top overall selection.
“I’ve had conversations with him over the last 2-3 weeks about the guys we are (considering) drafting,” Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders told Chris Mannix on NBC Sports Radio.
This isn’t the first time Kupchack has made similar statements. Of course, as the team’s general manager, its his job to pick players and not Bryant’s. But combine Bryant’s career being in its twilight years and the team having such a high pick, the message seems to be that Bryant’s time as the face of the Lakers is almost up.
“He’s never been great with rookies,” Kupchak said of Bryant. “Rookies have come to expect Kobe’s glare, Kobe ignoring him in the locker room and saying things.”
To Kupchak’s point, the Lakers haven’t picked this high in the NBA Draft since they selected James Worthy at No. 1 back in 1982.
Whether its Jahill Okafor or Karl-Anthony Towns, the Lakers will draft someone with “franchise player” ability. The question is, how will Bryant get along with the future of Hollywood’s team?
