Team Needs: More help than most people think. They're set at the shooting guard and power forward positions with Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom, but everywhere else help is needed.

Outlook: Los Angeles does have one of the NBA's best players in Kobe Bryant, but did they lose too much in order to keep him? Sure he can score with the best of them, but he hasn't proven to be a good team leader in his first two seasons without Shaq. In my opinion, this team could go both ways. Either they'll end up in the lottery next season, or they'll make smart moves and contend for home court advantage in the Western Conference playoffs.

The Lakers would benefit from getting young talent at the point guard, small forward, and center positions. A guy like Mihm is too injury-prone to bang in the West and Smush Parker isn't enough of a natural point guard to help a team win. Not even Zen is going to help Phil Jackson turn the Lakers into champions if they remain as is.

Most Suitable Prospects: J.J. Redick - With whispers of back problems and more recently legal trouble, Redick has been slipping down many mock drafts. With his shooting ability unquestioned, he'd be a great pick-up for the Lakers this late in the draft.

Jordan Farmer - Coming from UCLA, Farmer would be comfortable in his surroundings, making him even more ready for the NBA. He could share time with Parker as L.A.'s point guard of the future. He'll also be able to run with Bryant and Odom for years to come.

P.J. Tucker - He won't wow anyone with any particular part of his game, but he's capable of proving help in a lot of different ways. He may never become a star but he could have a nice career as a role player. He's also on the stronger side for a small forward, so he can do some damage against smaller guards at times.

Best Case Scenario: I think it's obvious that it would be a steal if Redick was still available at the 26th overall pick in this year's draft. Definitely the Lakers best case, and with the injury and legal problems I mentioned before, it just might become a reality.

Worst Case Scenario: Worst case I think Tucker will be the only one of the prospects I highlighted that's still available. That may not be a bad thing, but I'm sure the Lakers want multiple options to decide from come draft night.

Andrew can be reached at Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com