The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a pretty ideal spot for the NBA draft. With the second overall pick, the Lakers can simply choose whomever the Timberwolves don’t pick from the Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor duo. Except, according to the New York Post, they may go a different direction altogether.
There are multiple reports Lakers brass isn’t locked in on either of the draft’s top two projected picks, big men Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor. The reports have suggested intrigue in mystery point guard Emmanuel Mudiay, who played his season out of high school in China, and Ohio State point guard D’Angelo Russell.
Towns would be a great fit in Los Angeles, but if the Timberwolves take him, that leaves the Lakers with Okafor. That’s no small consolation prize, but it’s a more difficult fit alongside Julius Randle. It’s wise, then, for the Lakers to consider another player besides one of the two big men with the second pick. D’Angelo Russell is an electric player who could quickly become a fan favorite (not to mention a fine player), while Emmanuel Mudiay oozes upside. Jordan Clarkson is fine, but Russell and Mudiay can be much, much better.
This is all part of the due diligence teams go through leading up to the draft. It’d be foolhardy for the Lakers not to look at the entire board at this point and instead hone in on one or two players. Given Jeanie Buss’ desire for a swift return to prominence, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Lakers also entertained trade offers for the pick if it lands them the right player. It’s unlikely, sure, but at this point of the process, nothing is out of the question.
(Via New York Post)
