NBA Mock Draft: Los Angeles Lakers Select Noah Vonleh From Indiana

NBA Mock Draft Pick #7 -- Noah Vonleh, Forward, Indiana

SB Nation's Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll explains the pick:

The Lakers have selected Noah Vonleh. There were multiple offers on the table to trade out of the pick, but the Lakers wanted to take a straightforward approach and drafted who they considered the best pick available.

Los Angeles was disappointed to see Julius Randle go early at four, but Vonleh still being on the board made this an easy choice. The team has needs everywhere and Vonleh represents the first step in a new direction for their frontcourt. He may be more of a project than some of the players ready to contribute immediately, but the ability he's shown already, along with his great measurements and upside, appeals to the front office. Pau Gasol's unrestricted free agency would have to take a dramatic turn if he returns to Los Angeles next season, and the front office expects Jordan Hill to receive expensive offers from other teams around the league. Fingers are crossed that he grows a bit taller so he can moonlight as a center in time, but his mid-range game and developing three-point shot make him an ideal big man. The Lakers heavily considered Smart, who's size, defensive instincts, competitiveness and dribble penetration were hard to pass up, but the team is confident they can find other answers at point guard -- in-house or through free agency -- while there is concern about finding a long-term frontcourt player.

Besides, Jim Buss enjoys kicking the tires on big man prospects.

More: Full NBA Draft Coverage

1 Cleveland Cavaliers: ANDREW WIGGINS 
2 Milwaukee Bucks JABARI PARKER
3 Philadelphia 76ers DANTE EXUM
4 Orlando Magic JULIUS RANDLE
5 Utah Jazz JOEL EMBIID
6 Minnesota Timberwolves (Via Celtics) AARON GORDON
7 Los Angeles Lakers NOAH VONLEH
8 Sacramento Kings
9 Charlotte Hornets
10 Philadelphia 76ers
11 Denver Nuggets
12 Orlando Magic
13 Minnesota Timberwolves
14 Phoenix Suns
15 Atlanta Hawks
16 Chicago Bulls
17 Boston Celtics
18 Phoenix Suns
19 Chicago Bulls
20 Toronto Raptors
21 Oklahoma City Thunder
22 Memphis Grizzlies
23 Utah Jazz
24 Charlotte Hornets
25 Houston Rockets
26 Miami Heat
27 Phoenix Suns
28 Los Angeles Clippers
29 Oklahoma City Thunder
30 San Antonio Spurs