Nothing can possibly speak to the future being here more than the Lakers passing up on a potential franchise center for a point guard.
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So, I guess it’s time to say hello, future.
The Lakers selected Ohio State point guard prospect D’Angelo Russell second overall and are ushering in the new era in the NBA, where lead guards dominate not only the ball, but the way the entire game is played.
The Lakers will select D'Angelo Russell with the No. 2 overall pick, league source tells Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 25, 2015
Russell gets to learn alongside Kobe Bryant, as he hoped, and fulfill the role of franchise point guard as no one has since Magic Johnson. Those statements both pile immeasurable heaps of pressure onto a 19-year-old’s shoulders, but so goes playing in a golden uniform in Los Angeles.
The next step is what this selection might mean for the Lakers heading into free agency. With news that they are climbing the list of preferred landing spots for LaMarcus Aldridge, the Lakers going with a point guard is certainly noteworthy. There are plenty of big men available in free agency, so one can definitely imagine that will be Mitch and Co.’s first priority July 1.
Let the questions come about how Russell might fit in the newly-crowded backcourt with standout sophomore Jordan Clarkson and the aforementioned Bryant. Let the competition begin with Russell, Okafor and Towns all vying for rookie of the year honors. Let fans get used to cheering for a Laker wearing a jersey with the last name “Russell” written across the back.
More than anything, though, let this season start already.