The NBA Finals have been really entertaining and now it comes down to a best of three series. As the Finals come to a close, the NBA Draft draws nearer and the rumors are ramping up.
-== How The Top 5 NBA Prospects Fit With The Lakers ==-
For the Lakers, their decision at the number two slot will be talked about endlessly until they actually make the pick on June 25th. Jahlil Okafor is the guy most people want, but there is a small contingency that is hoping the Lakers take Ohio State guard, D’Angelo Russell.
The Lakers have worked out most prospects, but they recently saw Kristaps Porzingis in a workout in Las Vegas. It wasn’t only the Lakers in attendance, other teams with high picks were there to scout the best European prospect in this year’s draft.
It turns out Porzingis impressed scouts and executives during his workout in the desert. According to Marc Stein of ESPN, Porzingis’ stock is rising, making the decision for the Lakers a little more difficult:
Draft scuttle: Hearing Porzingis not only in play for Philly at No. 3 but now giving Lakers something to ponder at No. 2. Stock rising fast
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 13, 2015
It would be irresponsible for the Lakers not to consider Porzingis. He’s a a big power forward who can shoot the triple and take it to the hole. He’s long and athletic and can block shots on the defensive end.
Right away people will compare him to Dirk Nowitzki, but they’ve done that before with European prospects and they usually don’t pan out. Andrea Bargnani and Jan Vesely are both tall and athletic European prospects that were compared to Nowitzki and we know how that turned out.
Nevertheless, the Lakers will have to do their research on this kid. As mentioned numerous times before, the Lakers need to get this pick right and they must explore all their options.