Best Lakers Draft Pick & Free Agent Pairings

Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor (15) shoots during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers in the 2015 NCAA Men

Jahlil Okafor: DeMarre Carroll

Okafor’s name hasn’t been brought up very often with the Lakers as of late, but if the Lakers get a little luck in the lottery, they may put themselves in a position to grab the former Blue Devil. Okafor’s dominance in the post can’t cancel out the fact that he will be a huge liability on the other end of the floor.  With all of the high flyers and explosive point guards in today’s game, it is now more important than ever to have a rim-protector on a roster.  The only big name rim-protector this summer is Marc Gasol, who can’t play with Okafor for one obvious reason (they are both centers!!).

So without any rim-protection, the Lakers would have to try another method: upgrading the perimeter defense.  If opposing guards get into the lane less often, Okafor’s non-existent shot blocking ability will be less of a factor.  Grabbing Carroll, who has established himself as one of the league’s best perimeter defenders, would be a perfect start to improving one of the league’s worst defenses.  Several Hawks players’ contracts expire after this season, and Atlanta will likely have to let go of one or two players, giving the Lakers the opportunity to offer much more money.

Most of the elite perimeter defenders (all of the players I listed earlier) are likely to re-sign with their current teams.  Even Jimmy Butler, who may want to go elsewhere, will have every offer matched by Chicago.  So, Carroll stands as the lone perimeter stopper that the Lakers have a solid chance of getting.  Not only will he improve the Lakers defense, but he will provide great floor spacing for Okafor to work down low.  Unlike Towns, Okafor will immediately be a reliable post option who can be the focal point of an offense surrounded by shooters.  Carroll shot a career high 39.5% from three this year, and has become one of the league’s top “3 and D” players.

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