NBA Draft Rumors 2014: Zach LaVine wants to play for Los Angeles Lakers
On Wednesday former UCLA Bruins’ guard Zach LaVine had the basketball world buzzing with his 46-inch vertical leap.
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LaVine, who is known for his incredible athletic feats, made the jump while working out for the Los Angeles Lakers, setting a Lakers’ record in the process.
After the work, LaVine, who played his college ball in Los Angeles with the UCLA Bruins, admitted he would like to be a Laker, according to Mike Bresnahan of The Los Angeles Times.
"He seemed excited to be one of 12 players working out Wednesday for the Lakers.“Me being a Laker fan since I was younger, just having the experience to come here, it’s a lot of fun for me,” he said at the Lakers’ El Segundo training facility. “I’m taking it all in, looking at the sights, looking at all the Kobe and Shaq pictures. I’m having fun.”LaVine, 19, knows what awaits in the NBA after averaging 9.4 points and 1.8 assists mainly as a shooting guard for the Bruins.“You’re messing with 35-year-old men,” LaVine said. “You’ve got to mature and be ready for that battle.”"
Although LaVine’s stock is clearly on the rise, the Lakers grabbing him with the seventh-overall pick doesn’t seem all that realistic. They could, however, trade back in the draft, potentially to team with a few first round picks (Phoenix Suns? Chicago Bulls?) and select LaVine.
LaVine measured in at 6’5.75 and 181 pounds with a wingspan of 6’8.25 at the NBA’s Scouting Combine. He averaged 94. points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game for the Bruins last season.