The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly eying Australian guard Dante Exum and Kansas center Joel Embiid in the 2014 NBA draft. If Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel is fired, as at least one report speculates, Los Angeles may pursue him and replace current coach Mike D'Antoni.
Los Angeles' season earned them a lottery pick in the upcoming draft. Although the Lakers' official selection number will be unknown until May 20, reports peg the team as wanting to draft either Exum or Embiid.
The Lakers "really like" Exum, according to ESPN's Chad Ford. Exum, widely considered a top five pick, would be an immediate upgrade at the Lakers' point guard position with his athleticism, size (6-foot-6) and speed.
Exum, who is represented by the agent for Lakers star Kobe Bryant, mentioned in February he would seek out advice from Bryant about transitioning into the pros.
He also acknowledged he wants to play for a team that needs him right away, a criteria the Lakers fit.
Los Angeles is also reportedly interested in Embiid, provided the 7-footer is healthy. A report on Monday from Forbes' Mark Heisler indicated the Lakers' "dream scenario" would be to either draft Embiid or trade the pick for Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love.
One concern, though, with drafting Embiid is his durability; he's already dealt with knee and back injuries during his freshman season at Kansas.
As for coaching, there appears to be a divide over D'Antoni: Reports indicate Bryant and forward Pau Gasol both want D'Antoni out while some in the front office believe D'Antoni deserves another chance.
Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has said he would take his time in deciding D'Antoni's fate, but that may change if Indiana fires Vogel.
Despite clinching the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, Vogel's job reportedly hinges on how well Indiana does in the postseason.
If Vogel is released in the offseason, ESPN's Joe Kaiser reports the Lakers may seriously consider bringing in the young, well-accomplished defensive-minded coach.
