With the NBA Draft on June 25, the Los Angeles Lakers recently worked out Jahlil Okafor, D’Angelo Russell and Emmanuel Mudiay for the second time these last couple of days. Unfortunately for the franchise, they are ‘increasingly doubtful’ Karl-Anthony Towns will work out for them by Wednesday after visiting the Minnesota Timberwolves..
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Heading into the draft, Towns is expected to go first to the Timberwolves and the Lakers will likely choose between Okafor, Russell and Kristaps Porzingis. Should the Lakers not select Russell, there is a high chance he could land with the Philadelphia 76ers.
According to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times, there is buzz around the NBA that Russell does not want to play for the 76ers:
After trading point guard Michael Carter-Williams, the 2014 rookie of the year, to Milwaukee this past season, it would appear that the 76ers need a point guard.
But the buzz around the NBA is that D’Angelo Russell, a 6-5 point guard from Ohio State whom many see as a lesser Stephen Curry-type, doesn’t want to play for the unpredictable 76ers. Russell did work out for the 76ers last week.
With the Sixers rebuilding, they have been unpredictable by trading away Michael Carter-Williams at the deadline and drafting two centers these past two seasons. Although Porzingis is in the conversation for their pick, Russell may prefer to be drafted by the New York Knicks.
After having the fourth worst record this past season, the Lakers are not only fortunate to keep the pick, but move up two spots. Regardless of who the Lakers pick on Thursday, the No. 2 pick is expected to be part of the young foundation that includes Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson.
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