NBA Draft: Lakers Still Waiting On D’Angelo Russell’s Decision
The gap between the end of the regular season and the NBA lottery may seem like an eternity for Lakers fans (it definitely does for this one), but for top prospects, one can only imagine the clock is stuck on fast-forward. For one top prospect in particular, weeks have passed since his season ended, but no decision on his future has been made.
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So, what does D’Angelo Russell’s decision (or lack thereof) mean for the Los Angeles Lakers?
Most mock drafts have Russell being drafted within the top five, somewhere behind Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns. Depending on how teams rate Russell, Emanuel Mudiay and guys like Justise Winslow and Willy Caulie-Stein will be jockeying for draft positioning and the Lakers seem pretty well-positioned to select Russell. Given how well Jordan Clarkson played last season, one would think the backcourt would be set for years to come.
None of that is possible if the Lakers lose the pick outright, by falling out of the top five, or if Russell decides to hold off on the NBA for another year of development in college.
So, when might a decision be made? According to Derek Bodner of USA Today Sports, Russell is still thinking about his decision, although everyone expects him to declare for the NBA Draft:
"So what’s the hold-up? A report earlier in the week said that Russell would declare for the draft, but that he was still trying to decide on which agency to sign with. Russell later refuted the report, saying he had yet to make up his mind."
The deadline for underclassmen to declare is April 26, so it’ll be coming soon. Russell has made sure to let everyone know his mind isn’t made up, but it’s nearly impossible to see him returning to Ohio State given his projected draft position.
Whenever that decision comes, the Lakers won’t be alone in welcoming the opportunity to acquire the talented lefty from Louisville, Kentucky.
Next: Lakers Review: How Did Jordan Clarkson Perform This Year
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