Lakers may go after Zaur Pachulia with their 24th pick

According to ESPN Insider it looks like the Lakers will pick Zaur Pachulia with their 24th pick if he is available.
Here's his stats:

Birthdate: 1984
NBA Position: Center
Ht: 6-10
Wt: 240
Hometown: Georgia
European Team: Ulker Spor Kulubu Istanbul

More info from ESPN:

Positives: A former teammate of Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Pachulia is more of a classic low-post banger. He's strong, likes to mix it up down low and is an excellent rebounder and shot blocker. He's also an above average ball handler for his size.

Negatives: He's still very raw. A lack of playing time this season in Turkey hurt his development a bit. He's not a stiff, but sometimes he looks a little awkward out there.

Summary: Teams like the Pacers and Nuggets really liked him when he worked out last year before the draft. After a slow season in Turkey playing behind the Euroleague MVP, Joe Blair, Pachulia finally got his chance a month ago when Blair went down with an injury. He responded with 26 points on 10 of 13 shooting and added eight rebounds, three assists and three steals in a huge win over defending Euroleague champ Panathinaikos. The game wasn't a fluke. He followed it up with a 13-point, 17-rebound performance against Skipper Bologna. He's probably a late-first-rounder.

LINK-

http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18549

FROM NBADRAFT.net:

Also known as "Zaza". He is big, pretty athletic for his size and has a good knack for shot blocking. His body hasn't totally developed yet and he sometimes looks very awkward on the floor. The next two years in his development are crucial, he has to become a better offensive post threat and keep working on his foot work. Could easily become another Georgian who makes it to the L if he will develops as expected. Raw but talented bigman. A player to keep an eye on. Moves well. Already has a lot of strength. Rebounds well. Has a lot to learn fundamentally. Has good agility and at 18 is already considered an NBA prospect. Another Georgian wonder, you would think they grow on trees there. Strong player, with surprisingly good mobility for his height and weight. He's a fundamentally sound player, does everything solid but nothing especially well, but his ballhandling skills are very solid for his size. Was pretty dominant in Junior competitions with his combination of height and weight, but has yet to prove himself in Senior competition.

Notes: Many sources list Pachulia being born in 1984. However there is speculation td it up with a 13-point, 17-rebound performance against Skipper Bologna. He's probably a late-first-rounder.

LINK-

http://sports.espn.go.com/nbadraft/d03/tracker/player?playerId=18549

FROM NBADRAFT.net:

Also known as "Zaza". He is big, pretty athletic for his size and has a good knack for shot blocking. His body hasn't totally developed yet and he sometimes looks very awkward on the floor. The next two years in his development are crucial, he has to become a better offensive post threat and keep working on his foot work. Could easily become another Georgian who makes it to the L if he will develops as expected. Raw but talented bigman. A player to keep an eye on. Moves well. Already has a lot of strength. Rebounds well. Has a lot to learn fundamentally. Has good agility and at 18 is already considered an NBA prospect. Another Georgian wonder, you would think they grow on trees there. Strong player, with surprisingly good mobility for his height and weight. He's a fundamentally sound player, does everything solid but nothing especially well, but his ballhandling skills are very solid for his size. Was pretty dominant in Junior competitions with his combination of height and weight, but has yet to prove himself in Senior competition.

Notes: Many sources list Pachulia being born in 1984. However there is speculation that he may actually be born in 1982

LINK- http://nbadraft.net/profiles/zaurpachulia.htm

A great telling sign on him is that he likes to mix it up inside and can rebound. He is not one-dimensional. His offense will improve and get better eventually, but he has the foundation of being athletic, showing a nasty streak, and can rebound like heck right now!!!

Could be a great pick if he falls!!

Thanks for the info LD. Great job!!

thanx for the info........ havent herd that much about him....... sounds alot like Slava to me I would rather have some athletes ala Hansen Bell Badaine or Josh Howard.... but lookin out on the info

WHY get ZAZA?... we already have SLAVA!!
we do not need him and his language barriers. Remember how long it took SLAVA to catch on? 3 freakin years and we still don't know. When we signed SLAVA he was the most talented young player in Europe at the time......... you can't even say this about ZAZA
LETS GET OUTLAW and HANSEN in that order. OUTLAW our long term project while HANSEN can back up KOBE immediately if all else because of his Athleticism.

I think he sounds like a steal at #24. You know what, it will be pretty difficult for Mitch and the brass to [Swearing is not permitted at Clublakers. You must edit this post prior to submitting.] this draft up..and if they do, they'll be hard pressed to find a job in preschool basketball...