For the most part, the first handful of picks in any given NBA draft are predictable. It's not like football where the well of talent runs much deeper. In the NBA, the variance level is much greater which is why there are so few top tier prospects every year and why you know who the first five or so players off the board will be. Although this stands true yet again for Thursday's draft, the predictability level is much different thanks to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers, who hold the No. 2 overall pick, have needs all over the roster. Yes, Julius Randle is still an intriguing prospect after an injury cut his rookie year depressingly short and yes, Jordan Clarkson surprised folks with an impressive first year. But Los Angeles really could go in any direction and come up with a roster fit (the same may not hold true for free agency).
So what are the Lakers options?
We can safely assume that Kentucky's Karl Anthony-Towns will be going first overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves. That leaves OSU point guard D'Angelo Russell, Duke big man Jahlil Okafor and 19-year-old Latvian forward Kristaps Porzingis.
"They could grab Russell and bet that he can turn into a James Harden sequel," Andrew Sharps of Grantland.com wrote. "Russell isn't as athletic as most guards who go this high, but his feel for the game is spectacular, and he wears no. 0 because that's how many people have been able to guard him."
Russell averaged 19.3 points with 5.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game last season while shooting 46 percent from the field and, most importantly, 41 percent from three. His shooting and high basketball IQ will be major assets at the next level, regardless of which team he goes to.
"They could go with Okafor, getting the most polished big man to enter the NBA in years, and also the player most likely to make the Lakers better next season."
On top of winning a National Championship, Okafor averaged 17.7 points with nine rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game last year. His offensive game is far beyond anyone else at his age and position, but he isn't much of a rim protector or defensive anchor.
"Or the Lakers could shock everyone and take Porzingis - who visited L.A. for a private workout last week."
Porzingis is the wild card here. Although it is doubtful that he goes No. 2 overall, Porzingis has a very enticing skill set.
"He's a 19-year-old Latvian who is 7 feet tall and projects as a stretch 4," Sharps wrote. "He has 3-point range, the size and skills to score inside, and the athleticism to get up and down the floor. He's too raw to contribute right away, but plenty of scouts consider him the one player in the draft with a higher ceiling than Towns."
Lakers fans, which of these three players do you want to see in the purple and gold next season? Let us know in the comments section below.
