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Since the Los Angeles Lakers found out they would have the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, it was assumed they’d be spending the pick on a big man – likely Duke’s Jahlil Okafor. However, the morning of the draft, it appears the Lakers have turned their attention to Ohio State point guard D’Angelo Russell.
According to Bleacher Reports’ Kevin Ding, the likelihood of the Lakers drafting Russell over Okafor is increasing by the minute.
“If the Los Angeles Lakers draft Ohio State guard D’Angelo Russell on Thursday night, as is the increasing likelihood, it will be for one simple reason… Although the Lakers respect Jahlil Okafor’s size and skill (his defensive potential, not so much) momentum and consensus have been growing in the front office that Russell, not Okafor, is the special one.”
I’ll be the first to admit I’m on the same page in terms of the “special one” talk. While Okafor’s size and offensive abilities are intriguing, his lack of defensive ability and range are concerns for the Lakers. He’s not the full package, and definitely has more bust potential than you’d like with the No. 2 pick.
Meanwhile, Russell has all the makings of a dynamic talent at the next level. Especially in the point guard-driven NBA of today, Russell has the scoring abilities and playmaking instincts to be a true leader for the Lakers as they move into the post-Kobe Bryant era. He can be the facilitator Los Angeles has long been missing, while also bringing some explosiveness on offense.
That would allow the Lakers to use sophomore guard Jordan Clarkson in more of a combo role, serving as backup point guard and occasional shooting guard as well.
It’s certainly an intriguing option for the Lakers, and one they’ve likely been mulling since the Lottery. I guess we’ll find out tonight whether or not the rumors are true.
