Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak Receives Votes For NBA Executive Of The Year

Mitch Kupchak

It has been a rough few years for the Los Angeles Lakers with superstar Kobe Bryant going down for three straight seasons and the franchise missing the playoffs two years in a row.

— Think You Know Everything About Kobe Bryant? Take The Ultimate Kobe Quiz! —

Despite the Lakers uncharacteristically struggling to get back on track, general manager Mitch Kupchak appears to still be considered among the best in the business. Bob Myers of the Golden State Warriors was named NBA Executive of the Year on Friday, but Kupchak received a few votes for the award, according to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times:

Although the Lakers finished the season with a franchise-worst 21 wins and missed the playoffs for the second straight year, it is hard to blame Kupchak for what seemed inevitable. The longtime general manager did what he could with what he was given this season and as a result the Lakers have an opportunity to make considerable strides forward this summer.

The best move made by Kupchak this season was without a doubt purchasing the 46th overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft from the Washington Wizards. The Lakers were able to draft Jordan Clarkson and as a result may have found a promising young guard to help the rebuilding process.

The real test for Kupchak and the Lakers brass will be improving the roster this summer. The first step will be out of their hands as they await the team’s fate in the 2015 NBA draft lottery on May 19 followed by the draft on June 25. Los Angeles will have three picks if able to keep their lottery pick in the upcoming draft.

After finding out whether they still have their lottery pick and then putting it to use on June 25, the Lakers will know what direction to take in NBA free agency. There will be plenty of big-name players available including Marc Gasol, DeAndre Jordan, Greg Monroe and LaMarcus Aldridge.

[divide]


Please enable Javascript to watch this video

You May Also Like

Lakers Player Of The Week: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Steps Up For Shorthanded Roster

The Los Angeles Lakers were forced to play without LeBron James, Rajon Rondo and Kyle Kuzma this past week, all of whom were recovering from injuries. In their…

Lakers News: Anthony Davis Discusses How Rebounding Can Be Improved

The Los Angeles Lakers sit toward the bottom of the league in terms of rebounding…

Russell Westbrook Agrees To Contract Extension With Oklahoma City Thunder

It appears that the Russell Westbrook drama is over, as the superstar guard has agreed to a contract renegotiation and extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder…

Magic Johnson Says Lakers ‘Chose Right Guy’ In Byron Scott

[new_royalslider id=”302″] The Los Angeles Lakers introduced new head coach Byron Scott…