After yet another disappointing season, the Los Angeles Lakers are ready to kick off the post-Kobe Bryant era with a bang. They've hired Warriors assistant Luke Walton to be their new head coach, and if they get a little luck in the draft lottery, they're have another top-three pick to add to their arsenal.
It would be a huge downer for one of the league's trademark franchises to lose such a valuable asset for their rebuild, but they have a little more than a 55 percent chance of keeping it.
Regardless, they will still have an early second round pick, selecting 32nd overall. With a number of spots on the roster open for the taking, the Lakers will surely provide opportunities for a number of undrafted free agents as well.
That's where Mamadou N’Diaye comes into the equation.
The 7'5″ Senegalese center attended UC Irvine for the past three years, and while he's unlikely to be drafted, the Lakers have interest in signing him afterward.
According to ESPN's Jeff Goodman, Los Angeles has scheduled a workout with N’Diaye. The Houston Rockets have reportedly looked into a workout as well.
N'Diaye averaged 12.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game at Irvine, but his quickness and strength in the paint are under question by scouts. Mid-major college players rarely translate well to the NBA (unless your name is Stephen Curry).
Still, the Lakers need to get creative to find solid contributors where other teams look the other way. They're hoping N'Diaye can be one of those guys.
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