Jahlill Okafor wants to don the purple and gold and after the NBA Draft Lottery, all that could be granted with the highest of probabilities. In fact only the Minnesota Timberwolves stand in the way although there is a pretty small chance of that happening.
Okafor stands to be a good fit to the team's needs, particularly in the middle. With no dominant big man to work with during the past seasons, Okafor should be what the doctor ordered. Of course, it would take time for him to fit in perfectly considering he has to gel and of course fit into the Lakers system.
It will be a toss-up between Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns on June 15, 2015 when the NBA Draft takes place. Between the two however, it seems that the Timberwolves will likely pick up Towns to join Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett. History will be made by that time with the T-Wolves owning the first overall picks for the past three years (2013-2015).
With Carlos Boozer and Ed Davis set to become free agents, Jordan Hill remains the only big men the Lakers have. However there are rumors that Hill could be traded as well, paving the way for Okafor to probably inherit the Lakers' starting center reigns.
And while everything seems to be imminent, Okafor will need improvement on two departments: free throw shooting and toughening up his defensive prowess. Scott has been known to focus on defense and for Okafor to survive, the 6-foot-11 rookie will have to toughen up for the grinding NBA wars ahead.
All that aside, Okafor could be the next big thing for the Lakers who are sorely aching with their frontline. The team is expected to try and court big name free agents like Marc Gasol, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love and maybe even DeAndre Jordan.
Should they succeed on luring any of the big name NBA free agents, pressure should be lifted somehow as the Lakers try to bounce back and recall their winning tradition.
