Lakers ‘happy’ to get Crawford with 58th pick

By Janis Carr

The Orange County Register

Joe Crawford

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Kentucky guard Joe Crawford said he had been waiting for this moment all his life.

For Mitch Kupchak it felt like a lifetime before the Lakers were able to announce that they had selected Crawford with their lone pick, No. 58, in Thursday’s NBA Draft.

When Kupchak finally called Crawford after 9 p.m. PDT, 57 players had been selected.

“When the day started, I was really nervous,” Crawford said. “Then to go to one of my favorite teams in L.A, I can’t explain it.”

Crawford, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, played four seasons at Kentucky, averaging 11.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 127 games. He scored 17.9 a game in his senior season. A second-team All-Southeastern Conference pick, he finished his collegiate career as the Wildcats’ 19th all-time leading scorer with 1,438 points.

Kupchak said he felt lucky to have landed Crawford, who impressed Lakers officials in his pre-draft workout. The Lakers GM said he projected Crawford to be a high second-round pick.

“He’s a ball-handling guard,” Kupchak said. “He’d be a two-guard, but he can handle the ball a little bit.

“Again, we had him projected to be a lot higher than 58 ... so we’re happy to have him as part of our team.”

Crawford, who combines strength and athleticism at the shooting-guard position, isn’t expected to contribute right away, especially playing behind Kobe Bryant and Sasha Vujacic, a restricted free agent whom the Lakers are expected to re-sign.

“We’re a veteran team, but I think he’ll fit in,” Kupchak said of Crawford. “I think he’ll be able to play with these guys, but we’re not a team in rebuilding mode with a bunch of open roster spots. He’s going to have to come in an earn it.”

Kupchak said he was impressed by Crawford’s shooting ability and the fact that he played for the Wildcats, who reached the NCAA Tournament in all four of his seasons.

“He’s a four-year guy, so he’s played a lot of basketball at a high level,” Kupchak said. “He also played well in the post-season and in big venues. He’s had a great career.”

Crawford will get another chance to prove himself by playing in the NBA Summer League that begins in two weeks in Las Vegas.

“If he plays well, he’ll be invited, he’ll sign a contract and be invited to training camp in L.A. in October,” Kupchak said.

Kupchak said waiting until the 58th pick was frustrating, a situation that left him with an “empty feeling” after spending many weeks scouting talent.

He said the Lakers did make an effort to move up in the second round, but nothing transpired as the night wore on. So he said they were happy that Crawford was still available.

Several players with Kentucky ties who didn’t get drafted include Crawford’s UK teammate Ramel Bradley, former Louisville center David Padgett, former Western Kentucky point guard Tyrone Brazelton, and former Tennessee and Mason County sharpshooter Chris Lofton.