The Lakers had several different players come through their facilities in El Segundo to work out for the team in recent weeks. Mitch Kupchak will have the tough task of making a decision on draft night after watching all these college and international players.
On top of having the second overall pick, the Lakers will also have two later picks in the draft. However, all the attention is on the number two selection and the Lakers have already met with three of the four top prospects.
-== How The Top 5 NBA Prospects Fit With The Lakers ==-
Today, the Lakers got a chance to see Jahlil Okafor for the first time since he played in the National Championship game. Many believe the Lakers will take a big man with their pick and if the Timberwolves select Karl-Anthony Towns, then Okafor is likely coming to LA.
After his workout, Okafor spoke to the LA media and was well spoken and professional. While some of his answers were predictable, the Duke big man did give us some insight on his thought about potentially becoming a Laker. According to Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report, Okafor would love to be part of the Lakers organization:
Again, no offense to Minnesota, but Los Angeles is not only a much better place geographically, but the organization is one that is committed to winning. Every basketball player dreams of being the number one overall pick, but in this case the consolation prize of becoming the second pick and going to Los Angeles could be the best outcome for any draft prospect.
Okafor showed versatility on the offensive end by hitting some long jumpers during his workout, but his presence in the post is what makes him special. The critics will first point to his defense, but the kid is 19 years old and still has time to improve on that end of the floor.
Okafor was wearing purple and gold on his chest during his workout and that might be the case for the next decade, maybe even more.