After having dinner with the basketball operations department of the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, Emmanuel Mudiay worked out for the storied franchise on Saturday. While all the attention has been on Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor, Mudiay may still be an option with the team’s second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
— Have you seen the ‘Bleed Purple and Gold’ phone case? —
Following his workout, Mudiay spoke about numerous topics including his reaction to seeing the championship trophies in the window, via Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Emmanuel Mudiay's reaction to seeing the Lakers trophies in the window: "It made me want to get some."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) June 6, 2015
While comparing his competitiveness to Kobe Bryant’s, Mudiay also wants to win as many championships as possible:
Emmanuel Mudiay after LAL workout: "I'd love to be a part of something like this. I just want to win, get as many championships as I can."
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) June 6, 2015
In a time where point guards are dominating the NBA, the Lakers may opt to draft Mudiay or D’Angelo Russell to go along with last year’s 46th overall pick, Jordan Clarkson. However, the Minnesota Timberwolves have reportedly convinced Mudiay that he is also under ‘serious consideration’ for their pick as well.
Heading into the off-season, the Lakers have an opportunity to take the next step in their rebuild after failing to make the playoffs the last two seasons. With three draft picks, the franchise will also have cap space to pursue one max contract player in free agency.