Los Angeles Lakers draft target: Daniel Oturu
If the Los Angeles Lakers decide not to go with a point guard, they should turn their attention to Daniel Oturu. The Minnesota Golden Gopher is an imposing physical presence at 6’10 240lbs. His 7’3 wingspan and high-energy style of play will allow him to wreak havoc around the rim.
Oturu averaged a double-double in college with 20 points and 11 rebounds per game. He also averaged 2.5 blocks a game and shot an intriguing 36.5% from three. According to Sports Reference, Oturu ranked top 10 nationally in rebounds, 2-point field goals and offensive box plus/minus,
We’re well aware that Anthony Davis prefers to play the 4 and Oturu would not be a bad option to play at the 5 with him. He can do the dirty work down in the paint, and allow Davis to save some energy on the defensive end.
If he can develop a consistent 3 point shot in the league, the Lakers would have 2 big men on the court capable of knocking down 3s and would stretch opposing defenses paper-thin.
Dwight Howard may have priced himself out of LA during his resurgent season. Assuming Davis returns, that’ll leave Davis and McGee as the Laker’s only true big men. That likely won’t cut it for an 82-game season (we hope) and a playoff run.
Despite any athleticism concerns, Oturu would make an immediate impact for the Lakers with his rebounding and shot-blocking. If his 3-point shooting can become a legitimate strength of his, he’ll undoubtedly be a plus player.