2015 NBA Draft: How Each Top Prospect Fits With The Los Angeles Lakers
By Julius Lasin
Feb 14, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Jahlil Okafor (15) prepares to shoot a free throw against the Syracuse Orange during the second halfat the Carrier Dome. Duke defeated Syracuse 80-72. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Jahlil Okafor
Age: 19
Height: 6’11”
Weight: 270 pounds
Another big man, Jahlil Okafor also gives the Lakers a strong foundation on the block looking forward. But unlike Towns, Okafor cannot play with another another paint dweller like Hill — and that’s where things get a little dicey in terms of Okafor fitting in immediately.
Individually, the former Duke star should be able to to operate with fluidity and success in the post, given that he allotted the whole block and paint to operate — like he did at during his time in Durham. The problem is that three of the Lakers’ four top front court players made a living inside of 10 feet last season, as Ed Davis, Tarik Black and Carlos Boozer all shot at least 52 percent of their shots within that range.
Although it is possible that all those players may not be wearing purple and gold next season, it still does not hide the fact that Okafor most likely need to be on the floor with an effective interior defender, something that the Lakers won’t have if those three do depart.
However, as the Lakers are an incomplete product and have flexibility during free agency, they may be able to acquire players to tailor to Okafor’s strengths offensively, and cloak his weaknesses on the other end. Moreover, Okafor provides Kobe Bryant with some much needed relief on the offensive end, where he has carried the brunt of the workload and where teams have zeroed in on him. Okafor might not be the well-rounded Towns is, but there’s little doubt to that he’s a talent that can help the Lakers return to glory.
Next: Emmanuel Mudiay