Now that the Lakers snagged their (some would say odd) draft picks, the focus shifts to the free-agent market.  The Purple and Gold have little -- and by "little" we mean "nada" -- cash available to be (or attract) big-time players, but they're looking to hand out MLE money.  Heavily mentioned candidates for full and split contracts include Mo Williams, Steve Blake, Grant Hill, Jason Kapono, Jamal Magloire, a bought-out Stevie Franchise (a thought inspiring the K Brothers to puke in their own mouths), Mikki "Half a Spider" Moore, Charlie Bell and a pair of former Clips.  Here's a list of every team's free agents.  The Lakers' quest to add bodies also includes their own.  And given the dry coffers, Luke Walton and Chris Mihm remain appealing options if for no other reason than not counting against the cap to re-sign.  And speaking of free agents, Kobe Bryant isn't one, and he may need a reminder that he's employed by the Lakers, not the other way around.  Of course, the Lakers will keep busy trying to add bodies via trade to make him happier.  But if they're unsuccessful, there is one bright side.  No matter what the front office does, it's unlikely Kobe will emerge more miserable than the fans.

Oh, Zeke!  You little scamp!

And I'll go out on a limb and say most Lakers do these days, as always, the Bill Simmons Draft Diary is good for a lark.  His "Kobe/Barbaro Watch" comparison certainly inspires a chuckle.  And he's pretty equal opportunity when it comes to mocking other squads, so the blogosphere shouldn't feel singled out.

-AK

There's nothing like draft day to raise a city's hopes for big, bold action.  Well, that didn't happen last night for the Lakers.  It was a blockbuster-free night as the Lakers took long, athletic Georgia Tech guard Javaris Crittendon with the 19th pick in Thursday's (Madison Square) Garden party, then used a pair of second rounders on Chinese point/forward Sun Yue and Spanish center Marc Gasol (Pau's slower, less athletic brother).  It's highly likely both will spend more time overseas before getting a nameplate on a locker at Staples.  Of course, short of Kobe having through back channels (or Ric Bucher) told the Lakers, "Get me KG, JO, or Javaris Crittendon if you want me to be happy!" speculation still centered around what the Lakers will do about/to satisfy their disgruntled superstar.  Phil Jackson says he believes when it comes time to suit up in Hawaii, Kobe will be there.  (Granted, that's a free trip to Hawaii, so one wonders how anyone could pass it up.)  As an organization, the Lakers reiterated that they intend to build around him -- action to come later this summer.

So it's over.  How did the Lakers do, in your humble opinions?  Javaris Crittendon, Sun Yue, Marc Gasol.  Obviously, we'll toss in our takes soon.

BK

We're definitely at the Grill.  If you got some feedback or comments, shout 'em out and we'll try to get ya heard.  And you can listen by hitting the link.

As for the draft live blogging, we'll do it if possible.  But if we can't, let us know what's happening in NYC.  We hear Greg Oden may slip to the #19 spot.  Granted, the source was the Liberty Grill valet, but hey...

-AK

In only a few hours, David Stern will stride across the stage at MSG and kick off the 2007 NBA Draft.  Hopefully by then you'll have inserted the ear plugs necessary to avoid any Stephen A. Smith-induced loss of hearing and can settle in for the best draft in sports.  I know most fans hope the Lakers won't end up taking a player -- it would likely mean they've moved the 19th pick in a big-time trade -- but if they do, who do you want to see them select? 

Because hey, if something goes down, you don't want to miss it, right?  Just don't let "KG Watch"-- however grim it may appear -- get you fired from work.  The rumors are still swirling, fueled by the Internet (really, we don't recommend taking anything you see on the Web seriously) whispers and genuine scuttlebutt.  Perhaps it'll take some creative GMing to get Garnett (who is still out there, courtesy of the Hawks).  It seems the Lakers are still trying to get something done to help solve The Kobe Problem (while, mercifully, not actually talking about The Kobe Problem), but the tea leaves indicate the Lakers will use rather than trade their pick in tonight's potentially wild draft.  But while the pool is big up top, at 19 the prospects for netting an instant contributor are slim.  The Lakers still need a PG, but are apparently looking overseas to fill that hole with their mid-level exception.  Could this man -- complete with rockin' YouTube clip -- be the next Lakers FA signee?  Meanwhile, the goal is to land guys who end up on this list, rather than this one (sorry, Kwame).      

BK

Are you the type of guy or gal who'd like Kobe Bryant to remain in Los Angeles (and still play for the Lakers, mind you.  Keeping a So-Cal P.O. box while on Donald Sterling's payroll doesn't count.)?  Well, then get on 710 ESPN's "Kobe Petition" and plead your case to the Mamba (or Ric Bucher, who'll deliver it to Kobe).  It's worth a try.  You couldn't be any less successful than Mitch Kupchak or "Buss Family member X."

And if you have some free time tomorrow afternoon from 3-7 pm- or a boss that won't notice an empty desk- drop by The Liberty Grill (1037 S. Flower St., a stone's throw from Staples) for a live broadcast of The Big Show with Mason and Ireland, featuring a guest appearance by some blogging brothers.  I'm pretty sure the producer was talking about me and BK when talking up this event.  The afternoon will feature a chance to win Avenger tix (among other items), lively discussion, plus a chance to sign the petition and leave a message for Kobe with your own mitts.  Plus, BK and me in the flesh.  What else do you need?  Well, besides KG and a thumbs up from Kobe, of course?

Your past lack of action may very well have kept this city from retaining one wickedly good football team.  Are you willing to dance with apathy once again?

And again, just in case someone doesn't see, this happens tomorrow! 

-AK

Yes, it's a Stevie Wonder paraphrase, but sometimes the days of the week don't line up well with the news.  What can you do?  Segue, that's what.  Because apparently the Lakers' roster doesn't line up well with what Minnesota wants for Kevin Garnett.  Wolves owner Glen Taylor has flown off to China without a deal getting done, because the Lakers can't offer his franchise the package of youth, picks, and cap space they want in exchange for KG.  But that doesn't mean Lakers fans may not get to see more of him, even if it's just through the imagination of Paul Shirley.  Division rival Phoenix is now seen as the frontrunner in the Garnett Sweepstakes, with three way trade talks including the Celtics, previously declared dead, now once again alive.  (Kind of like John Travolta's career before Pulp Fiction.) There's also talk involving Amare and the Hawks (which would be a sweet name for a 50's rock n' roll band).  How this impacts the whole Kobe situation- surely you've heard- remains to be seen.  Maybe it revives the Jermaine O'Neal talks?  What happens if the Lakers actually keep the 19th pick? 

What is clear at this point is the Lakers are riding a wave of extremes a pail of Xanax couldn't even out.

BK

Then drop by Kwame Brown's pad, because given the summer he's having, chances are he's got a few pills to spare.  While the possibility of Kwame needing shoulder surgery hasn't been a secret, dude's nonetheless spending more time under a knife than Mickey Rourke with a plastic surgeon offering "twofers."  We'll let you know when a recovery time table is announced.  Or when Kwame's scheduled to get some Lasik because he's got a couple hours to kill on a Wednesday afternoon.

-AK