Lakers: Should LA Have Taken Kristaps Porzingis Over D’Angelo Russell?
By Eric Yee
One day removed from another sophomore showdown, the question must be asked, if given another chance would the Lakers choose Kristaps Porzingis over D’Angelo Russell?
Judging by the amount of support D’Angelo Russell continues to get from Lakers’ stans all over the internet, the strong majority seem convinced that the Purple and Gold made the right choice by selecting him over Kristaps Pozingis in 2015.
However, I’ve also talked to a number of others who believe that if given another chance, knowing that they know now, there’s no way that Los Angeles would pass up on The Unicorn that is Porzingis.. and judging by the numbers he’s put up so far, it’s hard to argue their claim.
Prior to selecting Russell second overall, reports had the Lakers’ franchise torn due to Porzingis’ impressive pre-draft workout, and his performance thus far proves that they were right to hesitate.
Currently, the now New York Knickerbocker is averaging 20 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks a game while shooting 38 percent from beyond the arc. Further, Porzingis has scored in double-digits in all but one game, something that is helped by the fact that he’s had over 15 field goal attempts in all but four contests.
Similar to draft mate Karl-Anthony Towns, Porzingis is redefining the game due to the fact that he can serve as a true stretch 5. His ability to not only shoot from 3, but handle the ball at upwards of 7-feet makes him a nightmare for defenders, regardless of the team.
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Last season, despite going down with injury towards the end of the year, Porzingis was able to play 72 games, and looks to be on pace as he’s yet to miss a game this season.
D’Angelo Russell, on the other hand, is no slouch putting up 15.1 points, 4.9 assists and 3.1 rebounds a contest on 37 percent shooting from downtown, though he has missed 11 of LA’s 25 games with a knee injury.
The second year guard has shown glimmers of greatness on multiple occasions, but it’s tough to compete with the numbers and versatility that Porzingis brings each and every night.
The re-draft scenario becomes even more interesting when you begin to ponder what kind of season the Lakers could have had last season if the two players were swapped. Playing center behind Julius Randle, the point guard position would still be Jordan Clarkson’s to have, which would open up another intriguing story line.
Would Byron Scott have coached Porzingis the same way he coached Russell? Would Kobe Bryant’s presence help or hinder the rookie center? Would Brandon Ingram still land in the Purple and Gold?
Who knows but a starting lineup of Jordan Clarkson, Nick Young 2.0, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle and Kristaps Porzingis doesn’t seem too shabby, does it?
The Lakers’ brass may never admit the answer to this, and if they do, it’ll be years down the line, but it’s fun to speculate nonetheless. Forgive me, I just re-watched Interstellar and The Arrival this past weekend.
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If you were in charge of the franchise and had the chance to re-draft, would you be taking Porzingis or are you sticking it out with D’Lo? Let us know in the comments below or @TheLakeShowLife on Twitter.