We finally know who the Lakers wanted with the number two pick, it’s D’Angelo Russell. After waiting to see if the Lakers would keep their pick, then waiting to find out who the Lakers would choose with the second overall pick, we now know Russell will be wearing purple and gold.
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Jahlil Okafor seemed to be the overwhelming favorite for most of this process, but Russell must have impressed the Lakers during his two workouts.
Mitch Kupchak spoke briefly after the pick was made. According to Bill Oram of the OC Register, Kupchak and the Lakers felt they could not pass up on a talent like Russell:
Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak on D'Angelo Russell: "We felt he at No. 2 was a player we couldn’t pass on."
— Bill Oram (@billoram) June 25, 2015
The NBA has become a guard dominated league and the Lakers picked up the best guard in the draft. He’s one of the best passers we’ve seen in some time and will now get to learn under Kobe Bryant in his rookie season.
Russell was vocal about wanting to play for the Lakers and is not shying away from the moment. This kid has a chance to be a superstar and hopefully that’s the case. With the eventual departure of Bryant, Russell will need to carry the torch after the Mamba is gone.