The Los Angeles Lakers have begun their long process heading into the NBA Draft on June 25, bringing in the first group of prospects at their training facility in El Segundo. Mitch Kupchak and the scouting department have a long process ahead, holding onto not only the second overall pick, but No.'s 27 and 34 as well. T.J. McConnell (Guard, Arizona), Kevin Pangos (Guard, Gonzaga), Seth Tuttle (Power forward, Northern Iowa), Bryce DeJean-Jones (Guard, Iowa State), Dez Wells (Guard, Maryland) and Maurice Walker (Power forward, Minnesota) will audition for Los Angeles.
The Lakers' first workout is focused on players that are likely in play with the second-round pick, and as options for any trade-down scenarios. Kupchak recently expressed the need to be prepared for any scenario, and picking through a large pool of talent is a big part of that.
Lakers PR was on top of this, handing out a handy media guide to the players being hosted. H/T to Serena Winters of Lakers Nation for sharing the material:
These are the potential draftees currently working out in the Lakers practice facility pic.twitter.com/ylGc1QvfTr
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) May 26, 2015
Kupchak has been clear leading up to this point the front office would be all-in on an exhaustive scouting process, and he estimated the Lakers could bring in up to 80 players, as reported by Bill Oram of the OC Register. The NBA Draft is the next big moment for the franchise, and identifying additional talent -- something Kupchak has built a nice track record of doing with much-lesser picks -- is an important step as the rebuild charges ahead.
The Lakers' next workout is on Thursday. Attendees have not been named yet, and if Tuesday's workout is any indication, they'll announce it around 11 a.m. PT.
Do any of these players stand out to you? Drop some insight in the comments if you kept an eye on any of these players through college.