The Los Angeles Lakers worked out one of the top 2015 NBA Draft prospects on Tuesday, Jahlil Okafor, the highly touted center out of Duke University. Many believe the number one pick in the draft is a toss up between Okafor and fellow big man Karl-Anthony Towns.
— Have you seen the ‘Bleed Purple and Gold’ phone case? —
Okafor, though, says he is not worried about whether or not his name gets called first on June 25th. Instead, he’s most concerned about going to a winning organization, and he believes the Lakers provide that opportunity.
(The Lakers) have a winning tradition, 11 championships and that’s what I want to be a part of,” Okafor said referring to the 11 banners the Lakers have acquired since their move to Los Angeles.
In Okafor’s interview below, one can’t help but notice the amount of times Okafor’s choice of phrasing, already makes him sound like he’s donning the purple and gold. Take this quote for example, when Okafor was asked about playing alongside and managing the high expectations of Kobe Bryant.
He wants to win. Hopefully when I come here, he’d be super hard on me. I’ve seen the video of him in practice and I love it.”
In between quotes like the one above, Okafor is already slipping in the “we” talk, when referring to the Lakers. Plus, Okafor talks about knowing the history of an organization known for it’s elite big men and whether he’s ready for the spotlight in Los Angeles. Watch it all for yourself in our videos below.
Part I: Jahlil Okafor: ‘Without A Doubt’ Could See Himself A Laker
Part II: Jahlil Okafor on Kobe Bryant: ‘Hopefully He’d Be Super Hard On Me’