What do the Lakers need right now? A lot.
With the Lakers set to pick second in the coming 2015 NBA Draft, it has been a general consensus that the team will most likely select either Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor, whoever the Minnesota Timberwolves leave on the table.
But would a center-forward be really what the doctor ordered for the ailing Lakers?
The thought remains up in the air and one thing that poses a dilemma for the Lakers fold is the fact that should they pass on either Okafor or Towns, they may live to regret it if either would make a serious impact in the pro league.
This comes at a time when rumors are floating around that the team could seriously opt to pick Emmanuel Mudiay or D' Angelo Russell. Both are guards which cannot be totally discounted and may serve a good alternative.
So would the Lakers use their pick to get Mudiay or Russell? It seems to be a matter of being at the wrong situation at the wrong time. Of course the Lakers could trade down with perhaps the Knicks (something a bit odd considering Phil Jackson is in the picture) with some additions like a player or money considerations to even the odds.
However, passing on Okafor or even Towns seems like a foolish thought. Towns is someone who could help on the defensive end while Okafor could be a good addition on the offensive side. The Lakers could use a guard but where does that leave Jordan Clarkson in the rotation?
There is a possibility that Okafor may find himself out of the top picks and it really depends on the team selecting and what they would require.
The Lakers practically have nothing aside from Clarkson, Julius Randle and maybe a Kobe Bryant on their roster so it makes sense to go for a big man. So why would Mitch Kupchak go for a guard rather than a one who can beef up the frontline?
Such are questions to ponder on heading into the 2015 NBA Draft. The draft takes place on June 25 which should prove to be interesting for fans eager to find out who the Lakers will select with the number 2 overall pick.
