With the NBA Draft on June 25, the Los Angeles Lakers are currently working out prospects for their 2nd, 27th and 34th picks. This past week, the Lakers worked out Jahlil Okafor, D’Angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay for the second time while working out Kristaps Porzingis once.
— Have you seen the ‘Bleed Purple and Gold’ phone case? —
Porzingis recently worked out in Las Vegas and has suddenly found himself in the conversation for the team’s second overall pick. However, according to Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report, the Lakers are not expected to take him on Thursday:
They’ve been over to Spain to see Porzingis play. Kupchak, Jim Buss, assistant GM Glenn Carraro, scouting director Jesse Buss, assistant scouting director Ryan West and scout Chaz Osborne were among a considerable Lakers contingent to attend Porzingis’ recent workout in Las Vegas. The Lakers followed up immediately with a private workout his agent preferred stay clandestine at the Lakers’ home facility last Monday night.
All that said, the Lakers are not expected to take Porzingis. There is ongoing consideration for the undeniably impressive D’Angelo Russell, too.
While Porzingis’ potential excites some scouts, Karl-Anthony Towns and Okafor have proven themselves after one season in college. With Towns visiting the Minnesota Timberwolves and expected to go first, the Lakers are reportedly deciding between continuing the tradition of a big man or selecting Russell.
Heading into the draft, there is great optimism about the future after two of the worst seasons in franchise history. Along with Julius Randle, the Lakers found themselves a gem in the second round in Jordan Clarkson, who was named to the All-Rookie First Team.
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