2014 NBA Draft: Predicting Winners and Losers

Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Julius Randle (Kentucky) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number seven overall pick to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Winner 

Los Angeles Lakers- The Lakers began the draft with only one pick, No. 7. With the seventh selection they selected Julius Randle, the big that many expected the Lakers to take if they kept the pick. Randle provides excellent value for the seventh pick as he is an NBA ready rebounder and scorer. The problem with Randle is whether he will find a way to score other than bullying the opposition as he did in college. Randle has the ability to be a double double machine if he gets the right minutes. The Lakers traded cash considerations to the Wizards for the the 46th pick. The Lakers took Jordan Clarkson, a 6’5″ combo guard that excels when attacking the basket and making plays for others. Clarkson was seen as a late first rounder on many draft boards and has the potential to be a steal in a loaded draft.