When the Los Angeles Lakers defied the odds and moved up to the second overall pick in the NBA Draft, the first player most believed would be there for the taking is Duke center Jahlil Okafor. While nothing is set in stone at this point, Okafor remains one of the most likely selections at number two.
— Have you seen the ‘Bleed Purple and Gold’ phone case? —
The Lakers have begun working out potential prospects for the second overall pick and that will continue this week as Okafor will work out for the team on Tuesday according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN:
Big week for Lakers draft prep. Dinner w/ D'Angelo Russell on Sunday. Workouts all week including Okafor (Tuesday)
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) June 8, 2015
For the majority of the college basketball season, Okafor was the consensus top overall draft prospect and he showed why. He averaged 17.3 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting an impressive 66.4 percent from the field. However, questions about his mobility, especially on defense, along with the improvement of Kentucky big man Karl-Anthony Towns caused most to move Okafor behind Towns as the draft’s best player.
Despite that, Okafor remains a potential star player. A traditional throwback big man, Okafor’s advanced post-game has been compared to a young Tim Duncan. He has the strength to bang on the block consistently and is used to being the focus of the defense, excelling at working out of double-teams.
The Lakers have already worked out both guards in consideration for the second pick as Emmanuel Mudiay came in on Saturday while D’Angelo Russell came in on Monday, leaving Towns as the only player to not yet work out for the team.
[divide]MyNBADraft.com Draft Profiles: Jahlil Okafor