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D’Angelo Russell: Perfect Fit For The Lakers?

By Chris Walton

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When the Los Angeles Lakers make it to the 2015 NBA Draft, they could be staring right at the future at a number of positions. The team could get a big at either the forward or center spot, with both Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns in mind. They could also find a small forward if Justise Winslow or Stanley Johnson is available.

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More importantly, the team can prepare to fill the void at the guard position, with Kobe Bryant entering what appears to be his last season. The biggest names that will likely be at this spot will be Emmanuel Mudiay and D’Angelo Russell.

Mudiay is fresh from a stint in China after foregoing his commitment to Southern Methodist University. Despite limited exposure, he still is projected as one of the top five players on most draft boards. D’Angelo Russell just finished his freshman season at Ohio State University, where he flashed some big potential as one of the best young guards in the country.

It goes without saying that Russell has received the bulk of coverage and TV time. This alone is enough to supplant Mudiay for some draft boards, and it’ll likely be the reason that the Lakers may ultimately add him to the fold.

Russell has yet to decide if he is officially entering the 2015 NBA Draft, but likely he will make the jump to the NBA.

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    • The stats that Russell compiled are all-around amazing for an NCAA freshman. He finished the year to the tune of 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and five assists per game.  Whether it was his solid shooting from long range (41.1 percent from three-point range), or his unreal passing, Russell has plenty to offer the Lakers, despite the emergence of Jordan Clarkson.

    One of the essential reasons that he could be selected would be the versatility the two could provide for the Lakers. The two are complimentary to each other, as Clarkson provides explosiveness, speed, and athleticism. Russell is not the most athletic guard, but to Clarkson’s Swiss army knife of attributes, Russell brings high IQ and uncanny feel for the game.

    The combo could definitely work in the future, and may become what the Phoenix Suns once had in the “Slash Brothers” with Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragic. It’s been years since the Lakers had two capable wings creating for others on the floor. The thought of Clarkson bolting on the wing and Russell making a ridiculous pinpoint pass to him is enough to leave Laker fans salivating.

    It does seem like the Lakers are prepared to place another guard in the backcourt beside Clarkson, aside from Kobe Bryant. In yesterday’s exit interview, Clarkson talked about the desires of the front office for his offseason plans which included getting comfortable playing off the ball.

    LakersNation writer Ryan Ward touched on the possibility of the Lakers thinking about their backcourt, starting in the draft:

    "Los Angeles may even draft a guard if able to hold onto their top-five protected pick, but Clarkson remains in the team’s plans moving forward with the Lakers intent on keeping the 22-year-old."

    May 19, the date when lottery selections are solidified, will provide more clarity on the Lakers potential draft move. Along with this wait, Russell must still make his plans official. As long as the team keeps the pick, they should get a damn good player and start to shape up their future. The Lakers need a good draft as they float into free agency.

    This offseason could be as important as any that the Lakers have had in years.

    Next: Our Latest NBA Mock Draft

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