LA Lakers Draft Rumors: Lakers Leaning Towards D’Angelo Russell, Not Okafor
At the moment, the Los Angeles Lakers seem to prefer Ohio State guard D’Angelo Russell, and not Jahlil Okafor, with the second pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, according to Bleacher Report‘sKevin Ding.
Los Angeles believes that Russell will be a star in the NBA.
The Lakers still respect the size and skill (not so much defensively) of Jahlil Okafor, but consensus in the front office of the Lakers seems to leaning towards the idea that Russell is special, not Okafor.
What brought the Lakers to this idea is the second workout of each players. Okafor’s dropped-off distinctly from his first with the team, while Russell was drawing comparisons to Stephen Curry and James Harden in his second workout.
As crazy as it might sound to compare a prospect to the current MVP and NBA Champion, the Lakers management believe that the comparison is legitimate.
Russell embraced his comparison to Curry, saying “I see a great resemblance,” he said after his first workout in Los Angeles.
D’Angelo Russell is the consensus for best perimeter player in the draft. He shot 41 percent of the three-point attempts for his team in his single season at Ohio State, and at 6’5?, he is the perfect size for a point guard. Not only is Russell a tremendous shooter, he also averaged six assists to go with his 19 points per game. If Russell’s production can translate into the NBA, then the Lakers could be looking at one of the best point guards in a league that is becoming increasingly perimeter-oriented.
While the Lakers may be going who they believe is the best available player in the draft, the decision to draft Russell might come from Mitch Kupchak (LA GM), believing they can import a big man during free agency. In the last few days alone, the Lakers’ front office has spoke with Kings regarding a trade that would bring in Demarcus Cousins, but those talks have reportedly cooled off. Portland Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge has emerged as a possibility for the franchise.
Regarding the decision, Kupchak said “it doesn’t have to be a consensus. Really, it’s going to be my decision, with the support of ownership,” reported Kevin Ding.
If the Lakers select D’Angelo Russell in the NBA Draft, then Jahlil Okafor might drop down to the 4th pick past the 76ers. Philadelphia seems to trust the big men they have right now: Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel, and Thomas Robinson — all former top-five picks in the NBA Draft. This would leave Okafor in the lap of Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks.
A backcourt of Russell and Kobe Bryant could be a historic one.
[Image Source: Kirk Irwin / Getty Images]
