2. D’Angelo Russell
Bringing in Russell would put the Lakers in a bit of a situation with two young, combo guards. This has actually become very popular in the NBA as the Thunder made it famous with Russell Westbrook and Reggie Jackson over the last few seasons. Regardless of what position Russell plays, he and Randle would compliment one another quite nicely.
Russell is one of the best shooters in the draft. Russell shoots a staggering 42.4% from three point land and can shoot off the dribble or catch and shoot. Russell’s ability to shoot off the dribble is much like Stephen Curry.
Russell is also one of the best passers in college basketball, averaging 6.4 assists per 40 minutes. Russell has made headlines with his mind-blowing court vision passes like this. His long range, combined with his handles, and court vision, makes a perfect compliment to Randle in the pick and roll game. If defenders decide to go under the screen, Russell will just do this with ease:
Russell is able to make the difficult passes that most other guards at his age cannot make and should get Randle plenty of easy looks. Believe it or not, this could be a pick and roll combo similar to that of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin (without the Griffin jumper). Russell, like Paul, can step back and hit the three, come around and hit the shot, or get to the basket. Randle, like Griffin, is nearly impossible to stop with momentum, and can finish in traffic. Having a dominant pick and roll game is essential as a base of a modern day NBA offense.
Russell and Mudiay are clearly this year’s top two guard prospects but it is a no-brainer as to who would best fit with Randle, and the team in general. Russell’s rare skill-set makes him a low risk, high reward type of player who can make all of his teammates better, especially a physical specimen like Randle.
If Randle can improve his jumper then there would be no way to defend these two at the same time.
Next: Karl-Anthony Towns