The Los Angeles Lakers have recently begun working out the top prospects in the draft as they look to figure out who they will take with the second overall pick. On Saturday, the team brought in point guard Emmanuel Mudiay and on Monday, the team hosted the other top guard in the draft, Ohio State’s D’Angelo Russell.
— Have you seen the ‘Lakers Nation’ phone case? —
Russell dined with the Lakers front office on Sunday night before taking the court for the team on Monday. After his workout, Russell spoke about the possibility of teaming with Lakers legend Kobe Bryant via Lakers Reporter Mike Trudell:
Russell on Kobe Bryant: “Kobe’s a great. It’d definitely be an honor (to be his teammate). I always dreamed of playing against him.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) June 8, 2015
Many are unsure as to whether Russell will wind up being a point or shooting guard in the NBA, but he noted that he feels comfortable playing either via Trudell:
Russell said he can play either on or off the ball depending on his backcourt partner in the NBA. Can both score and set teammates up.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) June 8, 2015
Russell was the leading scorer for Ohio State last season and is an excellent shooter, knocking down over 41 percent from three-point range last year. He is also an excellent playmaker who has a great handle and outstanding court vision and has drawn comparisons to the likes of James Harden and Brandon Roy.
With the league shifting to a more guard-oriented style, many believe the Ohio State product would be perfect to pair with Kobe next year and ultimately be the heir apparent once Kobe retires. The Lakers will continue to bring in every top prospect and examine them closely as they are set to work out Duke center Jahlil Okafor on Tuesday.
[divide]MyNBADraft.com Draft Profiles: D’Angelo Russell