With the NBA Draft taking place Thursday night, the Los Angeles Lakers are entering their final preparations and what to do with their No. 2 pick. The team brought in a number of prospects over the last couple of weeks and should have an idea who they want to take.
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Betting website Sportsbook.ag released their odds on whom the Lakers would be taking. Just as many draft experts believe, Duke’s Jahlil Okafor is considered the favorite to become the next Laker with the team also considering D’Angelo Russell and Kristaps Porzingis:
Jahlil Okafor -800
D Angelo Russell +400
Kristaps Porzingis +450
Justise Winslow +2000
Karl-Anthony Towns +2500
Field (Any Other Player) +1500
The Lakers brought in Okafor two times for workouts and had a good look at him. Russell also came in twice and is considered to be the best point guard available in the draft. Lakers general manger Mitch Kupchak saw Porzingis in Las Vegas with other teams present and also brought in the Latvian for a private session afterwards.
Should the Lakers end up taking Okafor, the projected frontcourt for upcoming season would consist of Julius Randle and the former Duke center. The two would provide the Lakers with solid scoring options down low and has the potential to be one the better frontcourt duos in a couple of years.
There is also the possibility the Lakers don’t keep their draft pick. The team has been reportedly interested in trading for DeMarcus Cousins but would likely would need to include the No. 2 pick along with Randle. In addition to Cousins, the Lakers are also expected to make a run at Kevin Love who opted out of his contract Wednesday.
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