NBA Draft Rumors: Elfrid Payton feels Lakers or Kings pick him
By Bryan Rose
The Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings could both use a point guard and that may be a reason that Elfrid Payton believes he’ll be drafted by one of the two California based franchises on Thursday night during the 2014 NBA Draft.
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Payton has been soaring up draft boards in recent weeks leading some to compare him to Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, not so much off of their games but the fact that he’s emerged onto the scene out of a small school.
The Louisiana-Lafayette product didn’t have major press during his tenure with the Ragin Cajuns but now that teams have been able to focus in on his ability, he’s moved into a lottery pick and it’s his belief that either the Los Angeles Lakers or Sacramento Kings will draft him.
With Elfrid Payton. He is predicting Sacramento or Lakers. Worked out for Lakers twice. pic.twitter.com/nk7PkvkGcq
— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) June 25, 2014
Earlier today, it was stated that while the Sacramento Kings hope to re-sign Isaiah Thomas, they’re currently looking to add an additional point guard who is more pass-first in nature. That’s something Elfrid Payton excels in so it’s possible the Kings could select him with their No. 8 pick.
Of course, the Los Angeles Lakers, who own the pick directly before the Kings, No. 7, may have something to say about that as they’re also a candidate to draft him.
Elfrid Payton’s workout with the Lakers allegedly went very well and Los Angeles is going to need a replacement for Steve Nash, who is clearly on his last legs.
Both Sacramento and Los Angeles are said to be in the market for trading their picks as well, so while Payton feels he’ll end up with one of the two Pacific Division teams, it’s possible neither may even have their pick.