Benjamin Franklin once said that the only things that are certain in life are death and taxes, so it’s safe to say that the Lakers aren’t locked in to picking Jahlil Okafor with the second pick.
-== How The Top 5 NBA Prospects Fit With The Lakers ==-
Talented big men are considered a luxury and this draft has two of them that are expected to go first and second overall. D’Angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay are both trying to make a case to be selected over Okafor, but will it be enough to convince the Lakers?
Russell is a very talented player and has drawn comparisons to James Harden, just a little smaller. According to Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com, people around the league feel there is a legitimate possibility the Lakers could ultimately decide to go with Russell:
"Now that the lottery order has been set since May 19, and with the draft getting closer, there is talk around the league that Russell at No. 2 is a legitimate possibility."
Scouts have been raving about Russell for some time now and the Lakers must consider him if he’s a “can’t miss” talent. You’ve probably heard that this is a guard dominated league too many times by now, but it’s the truth.
This is contingent on the Timberwolves selecting Karl-Anthony Towns first overall because the Lakers are not going to pass up on the Kentucky big man if Minnesota passes on him. If Okafor is there at number two, then Russell’s chances on becoming a Laker increase.
Are the Lakers willing to pass up a potential franchise big man for a guard? We will have to wait to find out.