NBA Draft: Looking at possible Lakers draft candidates

Andre Roberson

The Lakers are about to encounter a busy offseason, but that hardly applies to the NBA Draft.

THey have the 48th pick in the second round, leaving all their hopes in adding players with youth, athleticism, perimeter defense and outside shooting perhaps unfulfilled for another day. But below are some possible candidates considering most of them spent part of their pre-draft routine working out with the Lakers. Daily News deputy sports editor Brian Martin put together this list.

DeShaun Thomas Forward, Ohio State, 6-7, 225.

Averaged a Big Ten-best 19.8 points with 5.9 rebounds as a junior last year at Ohio State. Shot only 44.5 percent after hitting 52.0 percent of his shots as a sophomore. Good jump shooter, but can he defend at small forward?

Kenny Kadji, Forward-center, Miami, 6-11, 242.

Averaged 12.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks as a senior last year at Miami. Shot 47.1 percent and hit 47 3-pointers at a 35.1 percent clip. Great NBA body and already 25, but defensive rebounding is major concern.

Brandon Triche, Guard, Syracuse, 6-4, 210.

Averaged 13.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists as a senior last year at Syracuse. Shot only 41.6 percent and 28.8 percent from 3-point range. Teams like his vision, energy and basketball IQ.

C.J. Harris, Guard, Wake Forest, 6-3, 190.

Averaged 15.4 points as a senior last year at Wake Forest. Shot 45.2 percent and hit 59 3-pointers at a 43.1 percent clip. A three-year captain for the Demon Deacons. Size is a concern if he were to play shooting guard.

Peyton Siva, Guard, Louisville, 6-0, 185.

Averaged 10.0 points, 5.7 assists and 2.3 steals as a senior last year at Louisville. Athletic floor general who led the Cardinals to the NCAA championship. Shot only 40.4 percent from the field and 28.8 percent from 3-point range.

Andre Roberson, Forward, Colorado, 6-7, 210.

Averaged 10.9 points, 11.2 rebounds (second-best in the nation) and 1.3 blocks as a junior last year at Colorado. Shot 48.0 percent but only 55.1 percent from the foul line. Was Pac-12 defensive player of the year.

Dewayne Dedmon, Center, USC, 7-0, 255.

Averaged 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.1 blocks as a junior last year as USC. Was a surprise early entry. Late bloomer from Lancaster has athleticism, but his offensive skills are limited. Could be a project or could go undrafted.

B.J. Young, Guard, Arkansas 6-3, 180.

Averaged 15.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists as a sophomore last year at Arkansas. Lightning quick and explosive, but might not have the skills and maturity to play point guard and might be too small to play shooting guard.

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Follow L.A. Daily News Lakers beat writer Mark Medina on Twitter. E-mail him at mark.medina@dailynews.com