Though most top prospects won’t participate in the drills and scrimmages at the NBA Draft Combine, they will all have the opportunity to meet and interview with NBA teams. Even without the draft order being set, most teams have a good idea of the range in which they will be selecting.
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One player who has been consistently mentioned as a possibility for the Los Angeles Lakers is Ohio State guard D’Angelo Russell. According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Russell met with the Lakers on Wednesday:
D'Angelo Russell will interview with the #Sixers on Thursday. He has interviews with the #Lakers and #Pacers today.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) May 13, 2015
Russell is one of the top prospects in this draft. He’s an excellent shooter and creator off the dribble whom many have likened to James Harden of the Houston Rockets. Russell, himself has said that he models his game after reigning MVP Stephen Curry, and San Antonio Spurs legend Manu Ginobili.
Russell is a combo guard who is just as effective playing off the ball as he is with the ball in his hands. Many see him as a perfect fit next to Jordan Clarkson because of his ability to stretch the floor and the two could give the Lakers their backcourt of the future.
Russell measured well at the Draft Combine on Wednesday. He is 6’5 with shoes and sports an impressive 6’9 3/4 wingspan which helps make up for his lack of elite athleticism, especially on the defensive end. He averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists for the Buckeyes last season.
[divide]Lakers Nation 2015 NBA Draft Podcast