Lakers Draft Pick: 3 Potential Scenarios at No. 2
By Scott Asai
Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor (15) dunks the ball during the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers in the 2015 NCAA Men
Lakers fans got their wish yesterday when they landed the #2 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery. They jumped 2 spots with the 4th worst record in the league and avoided falling out of the Top 5 and losing their pick to the 76ers. With this new optimism, here are the Top 3 most likely scenarios for the Lakers and the #2 selection in the draft moving forward:
-== Lakers Draft Evaluations: Comparing Then & Now ==-
1) Minnesota drafts Karl Anthony – Towns and the Lakers select Jahlil Okafor.
The most skilled offensive big man in the draft hails from Duke University. His footwork is compared to Tim Duncan and his hand size similar to the Hulk. Scouts question his effort on defense and the boards, but with tutelage from Kobe Bryant and Byron Scott it can be improved quickly. Big men with offensive skills are hard to come by, so drafting Okafor would be a foundational move for the Lakers. Historically the Lakers have always won titles with dominant centers and Okafor could be the next big in line with that prestige. Okafor has back-to-the-basket moves now that most centers in the league dream of. There’s also rumors that Okafor wants to play in L.A., so that could be leverage in pressuring the Timberwolves to pick Towns first.
Next: Karl Anthony-Towns In Purple & Gold?