Report: Lakers 'leaning towards keeping' No. 7 pick instead of trading down

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to work out players on the second tier of most draft boards in the hopes of finding a gem to play alongside Kobe Bryant and carry the franchise into the next generation.

When the Lakers missed the playoffs this year, some saw their impending lottery pick as little more than a trade asset to try and secure more support for Bryant heading into 2014-15. General manager Mitch Kupchak had expressed a desire to keep his options open, saying he'd be willing to deal the pick outright or move up or down in the draft.

As June 26 nears closer, however, the Lakers are "leaning towards keeping their No. 7 pick rather than trading down in order to acquire multiple picks," according to ESPN Los Angeles.

Grabbing multiple picks would make some sense given the number of holes the Lakers need to fill on the cheap, but it's possible they've found one or two players they really like and don't want to risk missing out. 

Marcus Smart and Julius Randle are said to have impressed in workouts and would both fill an immediate need with the ability to contribute out of the gate.