More signs are pointing to Karl-Anthony Towns being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves No. 1 overall. Most recently, it has been reported that Towns is unlikely to work out with the Lakers at all, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.
2015 NBA Draft rumors: Karl-Anthony Towns unlikely to work out with Lakers
Towns solidifies his position as the top pick, while Emmanuel Mudiay is staying away from a workout with the Kings, drafting No. 6.
The Lakers, who have the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft, recently worked out Jahlil Okafor for the second time. While the Timberwolves were reportedly still split between Okafor and Towns for No. 1 just three days ago, Towns’ decision to avoid a workout with Los Angeles would indicate he believes he’ll already be gone. After all, there’s a developing consensus around the league that Towns is the best prospect in this draft.
If Towns changes his mind and decides to give Los Angeles a workout, the Lakers are reportedly flexible with their schedule and will find time for the Kentucky big man. However, given the growing likelihood of Towns to the Timberwolves, they believe it’s unlikely.
Mudiay unlikely to work out with Kings
Staying with the trend of top prospects refusing workouts, Mudiay is doing just that with Sacramento, who hold the No. 6 overall pick, according to Sean Cunningham.
Mudiay is thought to be a top-five player, even with Kristaps Porzingis’ rising stock. However, should another team make the surprise pick of Justise Winslow, there’s still a chance that Mudiay could slip down to Sacramento.
So far, Mudiay has worked out with the top four teams in the draft and has a second workout planned for at least one of them, the Lakers.
Cameron Payne’s injury a minor setback
Fortunately, Cameron Payne’s workout injury is nothing severe -- it’s a non-displaced fracture in his ring finger, according to Steve Kyler, something that will heal without any repercussions.
Right now, it’s expected that the Thunder will select Payne with pick No. 14 if he’s still on the board.
Bobby Portis working out with lottery teams
Portis has a promise or is in the “top two” for several NBA teams, according to the Racine Journal-Times. Teams he has worked out for includes Detroit at No. 8, Indiana at No. 11, Utah at No. 12, Phoenix at No. 13, Oklahoma City at No. 14, Atlanta at No. 15 and Boston at No. 16.
“I think they say that to everybody,” Portis joked.
Lakers and Celtics trying to get rid of late first-rounders
Los Angeles and Boston both covet cap space and trading down from late in the first round into the unguaranteed second is one way to maximize that. Both teams, the Lakers at No. 27 and the Celtics at No. 28, are trying to find a way out of those picks, according to Steve Kyler.
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