Lakers prefer D’Angelo Russell to Jahlil Okafor with No. 2 pick, per report
The Ohio State point guard is emerging as the likely second overall pick, according to one report.
The Lakers are leaning towards selecting D'Angelo Russell, and not Jahlil Okafor, with the No. 2 pick in the draft, reports Bleacher Report's Kevin Ding.
Okafor was supposed to be the Lakers' pick, but they are now convinced D'Angelo Russell has a higher upside, according to Ding. The Ohio State point guard has been drawing comparisons to Stephen Curry and James Harden and is the consensus best perimeter player in the draft. He reportedly had a fantastic second workout with the Lakers, while Okafor's wasn't as auspicious. That might have helped general manager Mitch Kupchak make his final decision.
Russell shot 41 percent on three-pointers in his sole season at Ohio State, and at 6’5 has perfect size for a point guard. He’s not just a shooter, averaging almost six assists to go with 19 points per game for the Buckeyes. If his production translates to the NBA, the Lakers could have one of the best young guards in a league that is becoming increasingly perimeter-oriented.
While the Lakers might be going with who they consider is the best player available, the decision to draft Russell could also stem from Kupchak believing Los Angeles will be able to attract a quality big man via free agency. The talks between the Lakers and the Kings regarding DeMarcus Cousins have reportedly cooled off, but LaMarcus Aldridge has emerged as a possibility for the storied franchise.
Our latest mock draft still has Okafor going to L.A.
See More:
