Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor (15) drives against Wisconsin Badgers forward Frank Kaminsky (44) in the second half in the 2015 NCAA Men
Finally the Lakers’ 2014-15 season is over and we can start looking towards the future with hope. Since the NBA Draft is before Free Agency, assuming the Lakers keep their Top 5 Protected Pick, here is how the Top 5 prospects (according to mock drafts) will fit best with the Lakers:
Jahlil Okafor (6’11” 270 lbs)
The headliner most of the college basketball season, he had his moments in the NCAA Tournament, but don’t let his recent slip-ups fool you. Okafor is the real deal and with an offensive arsenal similar to Tim Duncan, his footwork, massive hands and touch around the rim is something you can’t teach. The Lakers have always thrived with skilled big men and Okafor is just that.
Commanding a double-team since middle school, he can find the open man or dribble out of trouble when needed. Okafor is a guy the Lakers can build around because you can you throw it to him on the low block and he can draw defenders to him for spot-up shooters to hit the open 3. What Okafor lacks on defense and rebounding can he helped, but make no mistake a big man like this doesn’t come around often.
Next: Another Potential Big Man
Apr 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Karl-Anthony Towns (12) dunks during the second half of the 2015 NCAA Men
Karl Anthony-Towns (6’11” 250 lbs)
Playing on an undefeated team almost all season makes it hard for there to be one stand out player, but in this case Towns is that guy. His specialty is defense and he showcased his ability all-year long. Teaming up with Willie Cauley-Stein and Trey Lyles, Kentucky made it an almost impossible task to get a shot up around the rim. Towns wingspan is meaured at 7′ 3.5″ and he uses every inch of it to block shots and grab rebounds.
As a Laker, he would be their last line of defense. He could anchor a defensive-minded team under Coach Byron Scott and what Towns lacks in terms of offensive repertoire, he makes up for in his ability to run the floor and find open teammates from the post. This defensive stalwart could be exactly what the Lakers need to rebuild and destined to be selected in the Top 2.
Next: Justice Will Be Served
Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nigel Hayes (10) works around the defense of Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow (12) during the second half in the 2015 NCAA Men
Justise Winslow (6’7″ 225 lbs)
Maybe the hottest commodity from the NCAA Tournament, Winslow has the rebounding and ball handling skills of a Lamar Odom with the defensive grit of a Kawhi Leonard. Playing mostly power forward in college, he can slip to the small forward position in the pros and instantly contribute.
The Lakers have lacked a solid small forward for the past couple of years and Winslow would fit nicely with Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson as they push the ball up court. Note that Winslow wasn’t as touted as Jahlil Okafor or Tyus Jones coming into Duke, but he left as arguably the most impressive. That means he was a “3rd option” and content with it. In the days where egos dominate the NBA, Winslow could be a shut down defender on one side and a penetrator on offense on the other. If the Lakers stay around the 3 – 5 spot, Winslow would be a great addition to the purple and gold. He’s a two way player that is clearly NBA ready now.
Next: Russell Could Be Special
D’Angelo Russell (6’5″ 175 lbs)
One look at Russell’s game and it’s clear he’s going to be a star. Not your typical athletic freak, he has a maturity that surpasses his age. With great shooting and passing ability, he’s hard to guard especially in a pick and roll situation. Although a skilled shooter, Russell isn’t afraid to find an open teammate who has a better shot.
Russell can play both guard positions and he could fit nicely with Jordan Clarkson in the backcourt. These days in the NBA, guards have to be able to shoot as well as distribute and that’s exactly what Russell can do. As a freshman at Ohio State he carried a heavy scoring load, but if drafted by the Lakers he could study under Kobe Bryant and transition into the role of scorer at a comfortable pace. Russell’s basketball IQ is far ahead of his age, which makes him a strong pick up in the Top 5.
Next: The Wildcard
Mar 18, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Emmanuel Mudiay of Prime Prep Academy poses for a portrait. He is a finalist for the USA Today Player of the Year Award. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Emmanuel Mudiay (6’5″ 190 lbs)
Everyone loves a freakishly athletic guard that’s what you have in Mudiay. A relative question mark, ala Dante Exum, Mudiay took his talents overseas instead of college like Brandon Jennings did. In highlight films, his shooting ability and drives to the hole are evident. Compared to John Wall because of his frame and skill set, he may be the risk worth taking. A pure scorer, Mudaiy might be a better fit at point guard in the NBA because he would draw so much attention.
Put him next to Kobe Bryant or Jordan Clarkson and defensively your opponent would be in trouble. He’s been criticized for avoiding college, but that was his decision for financial reasons. Even on a veteran team in China, this 18-year old then was asked to carry his team in the playoffs. That’s quite a compliment regardless of the league. Mudiay has that “wow” factor that the Lakers love. L.A. is a star’s town and Mudiay might be the next one for the Lakers.
Next: Is History on the Lakers Side for the #1 Pick?
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