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Fifteen is now 14.

Tuesday afternoon, the Lakers released second-year forward Derrick Caracter.

Selected with the 58th pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, the UTEP-via-Louisville product, who suffered a knee injury during the preseason, hadn't appeared in a game with the Lakers. In four games with the NBDL's Los Angeles D-Fenders, he averaged 15.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 23.5 minutes.

Last season, Caracter shuttled between the D-League and the big club, played 41 games for the Lakers, averaging 2.0 points and 1.1 rebounds in 5.2 minutes. He's a guy with some skill around the basket. Pretty good hands and good feet given his size. Unfortunately, the size issue with Caracter still constitutes a problem. For him to carve out a long NBA career -- and I do think he'll get a chance to play again in the league -- D.C. will definitely need to get slimmer and stronger.

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El Segundo, Calif -- Los Angeles Lakers forward Derrick Caracter has suffered a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee, and will undergo surgery Wednesday.

Lakers spokesman John Black says the procedure will be performed by Dr. Steve Lombardo, and a timetable for Caracter’s recovery will be released upon completion. The injury was suffered Sunday at practice at the team facility in El Segundo.

Caracter was selected by the Lakers with the 58^th pick of the 2010 NBA draft. He played sparingly in his rookie season, appearing in 41 games and averaging 2.0 points and 1.1 rebounds in 5.0 minutes.

Caracter was expected to compete in training camp for playing time at power forward following the trade of Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks.

Friday, Brian took a look at what Kobe Bryant loses in the event of a lost season. And while the purple-and-gold universe rightly revolves around The Mamba, he's not the only Laker with skin in this game. His teammates would also feel the effects of an obliterated season. The stakes vary, but none will go untouched. Here's a look at what's potentially lost for the rest of the roster if 82 games go down the porcelain.

Pau Gasol: Hall of Fame bid, a reputation cleanse
As I wrote in a recent post regarding lockouts and legacies, I don't think any Laker has more to potentially lose than Pau. Brian noted the legitimate stakes for Kobe, but I firmly believe his legacy is essentially set in stone, partially because of his excellence and partially because of the "Jordan thing," fair or not. Without an eye-popping surge in achievement (or a seriously ungraceful career twilight), I doubt the perception of Bryant changes much. Where he finishes in the G.O.A.T. rankings among pundits is an exercise in subjectivity, and an often arbitrary and meaningless one at that.

Pau, however, is in my estimation on the Hall of Fame bubble. He has been terrifically successful in the Association, and his European career certainly provides a push. At the same time, his NBA story contains many chapters about failure.

The Grizzlies were swept three times in as many playoff series with Gasol the focal point.

The 2008 Finals, when he became the face of a team unable to bang with Boston.

The 2011 Finals, when fingers pointed mostly in his direction for the sweep at Dallas' hands.

The way he continually takes two steps forward, two steps back at erasing the "Ga-soft" tag.

A third championship could firmly solidify Pau's Springfield credentials. He could make it anyway, but another title would probably tip the scales in his favor for good, and the Lakers' window as contenders ain't getting any wider. Beyond his future legacy, shedding some current baggage would be beneficial. His name is sullied right now, and this admittedly is not sitting well. The longer we go without basketball, the more negative imagery sticks.

Lamar Odom: Membership with the Lakers
Ramona Shelburne noted during the most recent edition of The Forum how a lost season could be Odom's last in a Laker uni. The salary cap will only grow more restrictive, which could necessitate painful cost-cutting. Odom, whose 2013 salary is only partially guaranteed for a $2 million buyout, could emerge a brutal casualty.

From the team's perspective, this would be a tough pill to swallow, as LO's value can't be overstated. In his primary role, he's an absolute luxury off the bench. When Andrew Bynum inevitably gets injured, Odom offsets that damage. His versatility allows him to play anywhere, make plays for others and work the glass to critical effect. I've long maintained he's among the more underrated defenders in the league, much less on the Lakers. Lamar is also the team's emotional center, and that personality would be difficult to replicate.

Plus, for fans who've watched Lamar mature over seven seasons from an enigma to a crucial part of two championships, a final season vanishing into the ether would be horrible to watch. Nothing lasts forever in sports, and there's no guarantee his career would end in purple and gold under the old CBA. Still, we can all agree he deserves a better farewell.

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It's the gabfest that keeps on giving! Talking points included the ramifications of Kobe Bryant playing in Italy during the lockout, players worthy of a trade involving Lamar Odom or Andrew Bynum, and which Laker would be cut if the new CBA includes an amnesty provision. (My best guess rhymes with "Wuke Lalton.")

Oh, and that whole "will there be a season?" issue.

Here is the link. Give it a look.

Neither rain nor sleet nor gloom of night nor Brian on vacation nor me hosting the first 20-ish minutes while on solo baby duty will prevent the Land O' Lakers chat from popping. Talking points included who should start at small forward, wishful thinking contract do-overs, and the Dream Team vs. the Redeem Team. Plus, which Laker could potentially let himself go most during an extended offseason?

On a related note, Derrick Caracter's ears burned today at 11:20 am PT.

Relive the conversation by clicking this link.

If there's a position on the floor where the Lakers have quality depth, it's power forward. When reigning Sixth Man of the Year Lamar Odom is the backup, clearly things are going well. Between L.O. and Pau Gasol, L.A. likely sports the league's best two-man rotation at the 4. Still, it wouldn't hurt for them to find a viable third PF for the roster, not so much to bolster the Gasol/Odom combo -- though someone to lighten the load is always welcome -- but as a hedge against injury, whether at the 4 or the 5.

The time Andrew Bynum spent sidelined last season proved pivotal, sucking heaps of energy from Gasol's legs and setting the table for what would eventually become a physical and mental meltdown in the postseason. While he has a chance to start next season healthier than virtually any in his career, Bynum still can't be counted on to stay that way. The Lakers have to assume he'll miss some games, meaning they clearly need a backup center more viable than Theo Ratliff proved last season. It also means a little more support at PF could constitute a reasonable use of roster space and resources, even while representing a lower rung on the priority ladder.

We've touched on the point guards, shooting guards and small forwards. As is always the case, it will be virtually impossible for the Lakers to land any of the pricier names available without a major discount or a sign-and-trade. Unlike other areas of need, though, attracting higher end talent, even players starving for rings, will be tougher because available playing time at power forward is so limited. A little positional flexibility-- meaning a guy who can shift between either the 4/5 or 4/3 -- would be a nice touch, helping open some options. Still, without serious structural changes to the current core, it's a tough sell.

So without further ado...

HEY, THESE GUYS ARE GOOD AND/OR WANT/DESERVE BIG ROLES! MEANING THEY WON'T BE IN L.A. NEXT SEASON, UNLESS THE LAKERS MAKE MAJOR CHANGES!

• David West (Unrestricted Free Agent, New Orleans)
• Carl Landry (UFA, New Orleans)
• Jeff Green (Restricted Free Agent, Boston)
• Glen Davis (UFA, Boston)
• Kenyon Martin (UFA, Denver)
• Kris Humphries (UFA, New Jersey)
• Chuck Hayes (UFA, Houston)

West is coming off serious knee surgery, but is a former All-Star and when healthy is clearly the best player on this list. Landry would never give up the opportunity to continue his habit of eviscerating the Lakers by actually signing with them. Davis isn't a starter, but remains a very valuable role player who is too good for the role the Lakers can offer. Green has been extended a $5.9 million qualifying offer by the Celtics, meaning he's already been priced out of L.A., not that he's an overwhelmingly attractive option, anyway. Martin is not a guy you want sitting on the bench, potentially becoming unsatisfied with his role. He played center in Houston because the Rockets didn't have any other options, but his size makes PF Hayes' natural spot. Either way, he was among the more underrated players in the NBA last season. Again, too good for what L.A. can give.

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Did you miss today's chat? Don't beat yourself up, because this link allows you to catch up. Were you there but feel a burning need to re-live the moment? This link will make it happen.

Amazingly, it's the exact same link. That's how versatile it is.

Good questions today, covering Kobe Bryant and the chances he'll play overseas, the likelihood of trading Lamar Odom, and the impact of Carmageddon on this weekend's Laker Girl tryouts among other things.

For those unable to make it the first time around, here is the replay. Talking points included impressions of rookies Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock, potential trades and free agent signings and the lockout.

Plus, the question plaguing mankind for ages: Who wins in a foot race between Luke Walton and Derrick Caracter?

Here is the transcript.

In the newest edition of The Triangle, the K Bros and 710 ESPN basketball analyst Dave Miller discuss whether Kobe Bryant is still capable of a sustained playoff run like Dirk Nowitzki's recent showing, the Lakers' championship odds next season as currently constructed, and the quality available in the second round of the draft.

I caught up with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak for about 20 minutes on Tuesday, and we spent the bulk of our time talking about the upcoming NBA draft. There were, though, a couple of topics I couldn’t fit in the story.

Before talking to him, I looked back at the story I wrote when we spoke shortly after last year’s draft, when he told me this about Devin Ebanks and Derrick Caracter, who the Lakers selected at Nos. 43 and 58, respectively:

“In terms of a grade, I think you have to ask me that question a year from now," Kupchak said.

A year later, I reminded him about the quote, and he relented. Sorta.

“I would say both are incomplete,” Kupchak began. “I feel like Devin showed great promise on a veteran team. He really did some things that led us to believe he can be a player in this league. But then he got hurt and ended up missing the last 2-3 months of the season. The offseason is going to be very, very important for him. But, he does have a position and he’s got athleticism and skills that translate to the NBA game.”

Ebanks averaged 3.1 points and 1.4 rebounds in 20 regular season games. He did not play in any regular season or postseason games past Feb. 25 because of a stress fracture on his left tibia.

Caracter played in more than twice the amount of games as Ebanks did (41), but put up similarly lackluster numbers, averaging 2.0 points and 1.0 rebounds per game. Like Ebanks, he did not play in the playoffs, but he still saw some action as he was arrested in the first round against New Orleans because of a late-night incident at an IHOP.

“Derrick probably played a little bit more towards the end of the season, but he’s searching and we searched to find where he plays in this league,” Kupchak said. “Is he a center at 6-8? Will he be able to play some power forward? Where is he going to flourish in the offense consistently? And he had his little occurrence during the playoffs. That certainly added to the grade of incomplete. But, he’s shown great remorse in the last month or so and he’s been coming into the gym and working real hard.”

The Lakers have options on both Ebanks and Caracter for next season, but both won’t necessarily be picked up. I’ve been told by a source that Caracter won’t likely be a part of the team next year, and Kupchak made it clear when outlining the challenges facing the 6-9, 275-pound tweener, yet, the GM made a point to mention Caracter’s work ethic remains strong. So, make of that what you will.

Here are a few other tidbits from our conversation…

On whether offseason movement (trades, free agent signings, options being exercised, etc.) was particularly slow this year with the Collective Bargaining Agreement set to expire on June 30:
“It’s a little quiet right now. I’m not sure that’s not normal, until the season ends which it just did on Sunday. I know myself just looking at today and yesterday, that there’s a lot more activity so far than there was most of last week. So, I think it will ramp up and there will be some movement draft day, day before the draft, day after the draft, stuff like that.”

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With the season over and all of Dallas dancing in the streets, the next order of business, and thanks to the high likelihood of a protracted lockout it could be the only order for a while, is the NBA Draft, on June 23.

The Lakers have no first rounder (sent to Jersey in the Sasha Vujacic/Joe Smith swap), and four second round picks -- 41, 46, 56, and 58. Not exactly prime real estate, particularly in a draft considered . . . suboptimal. Still, as ESPNLA's Dave McMenamin notes, G.M. Mitch Kupchak hopes to find NBA caliber talent overlooked at least 40 times by other teams when their first pick rolls around. The Lakers have actually had a decent level of success in the second round (Marc Gasol, Ronny Turiaf, Luke Walton, Von Wafer (seriously) to name a few examples) and over the years some good players (Michael Redd, Stephen Jackson, Monta Ellis) have been selected in the low 40's.

PODCAST
Andy and Brian talk NBA Finals with Bomani Jones (The Morning Jones on Sirius 158, everything ESPN TV). In particular, the insanity that is the coverage of LeBron James. Podcast

Still, finding an impact player so late is definitely the exception to the rule.

Kupchak mentions center and the backcourt as potential areas of need, and notes while new coach Mike Brown will eventually have a voice once free agency and trade season rolls around, for the draft he'll have more of an observational role. By the time draft day arrives, the team expects to have worked out about 40 players. Which ones would be best? I have no idea. College basketball and the international game aren't my area of expertise (though I'm comfortable saying if Kyrie Irving slips to 41, nab him!).

We'll bring you insight from genuine draft wonks before the 23rd, but in the meantime, here are a few broad points to consider:

1. Take the Best Guys Available. We all know the Lakers could really use a shooter and a point guard (or ideally, a point guard who can really shoot). But at the point they're drafting, it's all about grabbing as much talent as possible with positional need factoring in only as a tiebreaker. While obviously a weak draft shines a light on those kids who can really play, one potential advantage is teams will likely have very different boards. Meaning, there's a reasonable chance when pick 41 arrives, the Lakers could get someone they consider to be five or (if they're lucky) ten-plus spots better. Passing him because the 47th ranked guy on the board happens to be the next highest ranked point guard doesn't make sense.

Even if the Lakers score a player they had far higher on their board, his chances of becoming a meaningful contributor next season for a team with championship aspirations are slim, no matter the position. All the more reason to maximize talent.

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Among the points shared from Derrick Caracter's exit interview was the need and determination maintain a suitable weight. D.C. has lost about 30-40 pounds since college and wants to drop another 15-20. The approaches will include proper eating, boxing and ballet, the latter to additionally increase flexibility. (I'll go out on a limb and predict he's the biggest student in class.) He also talked about the rookie experience, plus the ways he learned under a squad of veterans and Phil Jackson, whose unique approach was an eye-opener.

His most compelling thoughts, however, were shared on the topic of maturity, arguably of the reddest of flags for Derrick coming out of college. His admission of room to grow could have applied in a lot of aspects, whether his recent arrest in New Orleans or the admitted failure to remain mentally ready for opportunities earlier in the season.

"Just staying true to your word," said Caracter on where he fell short. "If I say I'm gonna go do this, then do that. If I say I'm gonna work out at a certain time, not pushing it back. Coming up with a plan and sticking to the plan."

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It's not often Devin Ebanks and Derrick Caracter steal the show in El Segundo. Frankly, it's not often the media pays much attention to the rookies, period. But having just undergone an MRI for the stress fracture in his left leg, a few scribes gathered around Devin for test results. The kid's been out since March 5, and unfortunately has at least three more weeks remaining before he's cleared. It's a situation he's learned to begrudgingly accept.

"I feel fine," nodded Ebanks. "I guess it's one of those things where it's not ready yet. I gotta wait it out.

"It's definitely stressful, especially being in practice and wanting to be out there with your teammates. Be a part of it, really. Even when you're sitting on the sideline with the team, you don't really feel a part of it."

But despite the inherently glum nature of an injury discussion, there were laughs to be mined. I asked Ebanks if he's been playing the "I'm injured" card as a way pushing rookie duties onto Derrick Caracter, who happened to working out nearby. "That's already been happening," Caracter shot back. "That card doesn't need to be played." Caracter relayed how Ebanks has been pulling "10-year veteran moves," like picking just the right time to ice up "for an hour."

"He's just complaining right now," laughed Ebanks. "I guess they just like to pick on him more than me. He's jealous."



Caracter then told us to ask Ebanks how many towels he'd picked up that day, and it was on like Donkey Kong. Devin motioned us over to a large whiteboard featuring a Derrick Caracter stick figure drawn by the small forward. (I'll go out on a limb and predict Ebanks took few, if any, art classes at West Virginia.) Ebanks' rendition of Caracter included a size 18XL jersey, size 10XL shorts and a bag of oranges in each hand, commemorating how the big man likes to eat an orange during a game.

Or by Ebanks' count, "20 or 30" oranges.



Caracter insisted Ebanks was exaggerating, although his own estimation of 15 oranges per game still ventures into Cool Hand Luke and "50 eggs" territory. I have to assume these are small oranges, but even so, my gut would likely be in agony after 15, and I've been known to stuff my face. For the rookie, however, the courtside consumption is apparently no big thing. "I like to keep my vitamins right," shrugged Caracter, who noted how Ron Artest and Lamar Odom are big proponents of oranges.



It wasn't officially announced until after practice closed, but Caracter has been assigned to the D-League's Bakersfield Jam squad. I don't know how familiar the rook is with Bakersfield, but it shouldn't take too long to locate a grocery store and maintain his citrus fix. Although really, should orange shopping evolve into an all-night activity, so be it. If Caracter is gonna to hit the town, I imagine the coaching staff would prefer the kid be trolling supermarkets on the hunt for the perfect Cara Cara than perhaps other spots with a higher potential for shenanigans.

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Yesterday's victory against the Suns being the second end of a back-to-back, Thursday's practice was light, both on activity and noteworthy events. The reserves got some run, but the starters mostly concentrated on individual exercises to address specific needs. Andrew Bynum worked on his free throw shooting. Ron Artest participated in a shooting drill with Craig Hodges. All pretty run of the mill stuff. And that's just fine, because nobody showed up in El Segundo for scrimmage anecdotes, but rather an update on Lamar Odom.

LO took a hard tumble on a drive to the rack against Phoenix and landed right on his elbow. As it turns out, the collision actually left his shoulder worse for the wear, which is always an issue given Odom's medical history. Also consistent with his history, it's expected Lamar will gut it out, starting Friday against the Hornets. He described himself as "sore," and equated the pain to a sprained ankle. He expects to undergo more treatment and ice before the day is over, but at least was able to maintain his sense of humor.

"I'm gonna have to play right handed," said the decidedly southpaw player with a smile. That would be kinda crazy. i don't know how I'm gonna pull that one off, but I'm gonna try."


Phil Jackson wasn't sure how effective Odom will be against the Hornets, or maybe even for a few games down the line. He described the condition as a "problematic kind of thing that's going to affect him for a while." And while noting Odom's overall activity level shouldn't suffer, the healing process could leave his game less refined.

"It shouldn't affect his activity," explained Jackson. "The only thing that's (affected) obviously is something that involves reaching. Shooting might be affected because of the length of his shot. The follow through."

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Life for season ticket holders of the Bakersfield Jam just got a whole lot more interesting.

In a move completely expected, the Lakers today announced Devin Ebanks has been assigned to the team's NBDL affiliate located a couple hours upstate. The D-League hardly provides a life of glitz and glamor, but will offer Ebanks, selected with the 43rd pick last summer, an opportunity to play he won't get with the big club. With Andrew Bynum back in the rotation, Luke Walton healthy and Joe Smith on the bench, whatever scraps previously available for Ebanks on the wing have been swallowed up. He'd played all of 16 minutes this month, and needs more.

No announcement on Derrick Caracter yet, but I'd be shocked if Caracter, who has played two minutes in six games since Bynum's return, didn't find himself heading north on the 5 Freeway as soon as Smith is up to speed.