The 2007 NBA draft has come and gone and the Los Angeles Lakers have begun integrating new players; Javaris Crittenton, Marc Gasol and Sun Yue. With the 19th pick, the Lakers selected promising Georgia Tech guard, Javaris Crittenton. The 6'5? 198lb Crittenton was a star point guard for Georgia Tech, drawing comparisons to NBA players such as Stephon Marbury and Steve Francis. As a tall, ball handling guard, the Lakers hope Crittenton can help solve the problems at the point that plagued them last season. At Georgia Tech Crittenton led the team in points and assists averaging over 14 points and almost 6 assists per game.

In the second round of the draft, with picks 40 and 48, the Lakers selected two international players: Sun Yue and Marc Gasol. Hailing from Spain , Marc Gasol enters the NBA in the wake of his famed brother Pau Gasol, of the Memphis Grizzlies. The twenty two year old Marc Gasol is a 7'1? 280lb center who is said to have good footwork and a soft touch. Sun Yue has been called the ?Chinese Magic Johnson? as a 6'9? point guard with a pass-first mentality that could develop into a valuable NBA commodity for the Lakers.

In a fantastic display of heart and determination Lamar Odom battled through multiple injuries as he finished out the 06-07 season. Having undergone off season surgery, both Odom and Kwame Brown are expected to return for the start of training camp fully recovered and ready to contribute. Lakers veteran Luke Walton will continue to act as a much needed facilitator and master of the triangle offense, resigning with the Lakers on a six year deal reportedly worth 30 million.

Lakers project, Andrew Bynum, having shown flashes of brilliance in his second year, will continue to train with Kareem Abdul Jabbar and attempt to establish himself as a dominant young big man in the Western Conference. The focal point of many trade discussions, Bynum is a sought after young center who has shown promise and skill while playing for the Lakers. Entering his third year, the Lakers hope Bynum can provide them with a significant low post presence to complement Bryant and Odom.

With no veteran point guard presence, the Lakers will be utilizing newly drafted Javaris Crittenton coupled with former UCLA guard, Jordan Farmar. Farmar, entering his sophomore year, has averaged about 4 points and 2 assists for the Lakers. Praised by Lakers Head Coach Phil Jackson, Farmar will attempt to fill the point guard position with his developed court vision and poised game play.

The Lakers off season woes have left many fans and players hoping for another big name arrival in Los Angeles . Despite the trade drama and the Lakers sub par season record; many feel that a healthy supporting cast comprised of Odom and Walton is enough to help the Lakers make some noise in the post season. In the 2006-2007 season both Odom and Walton were plagued by injuries leaving their true potential a mystery. Prior to the teams injuries the Lakers got off to a 26-13 start, leading many to believe the teams existing roster is more than capable of making a playoff run.

Heading into the 2008 season, the Lakers are looking to strengthen their core around Kobe Bryant, while simultaneously adding some young eager talent in Javaris Crittenton. Operating under Hall of Fame coach, Phil Jackson the Lakers will utilize the triangle in an attempt to get back on top as one of the most successful professional ball clubs in the NBA. The Lakers tumultuous off season could give way to a reenergized supporting cast, hopefully providing the NBA's premier scorer with some much needed help.

Ticket sales for the los angeles lakers should bring each game to a sellout even without kobe there. It would be wise to buy your lakers tickets early in the season as the lakers are sure to make the playoffs once again.