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Should The Lakers Take D’Angelo Russell Over Emmanuel Mudiay?

By Chris Walton

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We are several days from the NBA Draft lottery, which will be held on Tuesday, May 19, and a little more than a month for the draft on June 25. The Los Angeles Lakers’ fate floats in the midst of the unknown, as the team awaits the possibility of maintaining or losing their top-five selection.

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With an 82 percent chance to remain in the top five, it’s likely they can have the ping-pong balls fall their way, and add to the likes of Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle. The choice to add isn’t as obvious as one would assume with the players that will be left on the draft board. Both Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns are likely to be taken at the top of the draft.

The choices after those players are going to definitely be a toss-up for the Lakers. Emmanuel Mudiay, who spent a year in the Chinese Basketball Association after foregoing his freshman season at Southern Methodist University, has been a consensus to be selected. Ohio State’s D’Angelo Russell has also been pegged as a potential pick at this spot.

If the Lakers have liked what they’ve seen out of Jordan Clarkson, then it should be a no-brainer to add Russell alongside their talented guard.

D’Angelo Russell has certainly had the benefit of getting more exposure than Mudiay, obviously playing right here in the United States. On top of knowing exactly what he brings to the table, Russell’s complete package of shooting, passing, and rebounding at the guard position makes him prototypical for an NBA shooting guard.

In just one season, he posted 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game. While being an avid playmaker, he still shows you why he could play the 2-guard comfortably, shooting 45 percent and 41 percent from tw-o and three-point range.

Russell recently was scheduled to interview with the Lakers at the NBA Draft combine:

Adding Russell’s dimensions to the athleticism of Jordan Clarkson makes sense for the Lakers, too. Stylistically, Mudiay and Clarkson are closer, which may not be a problem, but floor spacing would be far more difficult to construct with the two. Russell can keep defenses honest, while Clarkson attacks.

You also allow yourself to have Clarkson play off the ball while Russell initiates the offense, quite like he did at Ohio State.  It also would be crucial for Julius Randle to benefit from this same spacing and easy looks that Russell could create for him. He might be one of the most gifted passers coming into the league.

Russell has always viewed himself as a combo guard, so the role would not be uncommon for him. Recently, he spoke with Silver Screen and Roll’s Drew Garrison about modeling his game after San Antonio Spurs guard, Manu Ginobili, playing a similar style of playmaker and scorer:

"“I studied Manu Ginobili,” Russell told NBA TV when asked which players he’s tried to pattern his game around. “Not a lot of guys really valued his play. Growing up that was a guy that I really focused on. I’ve been playing that combo role my whole life.”"

Whatever role that Russell will play, it certainly will be a large one in the Lakers’ future. He may not be the franchise player they are seeking, but as a major piece to their puzzle, his growth will fast-track their rebuild. He certainly brings the swagger and confidence that Laker fans can appreciate, fitting right into the aura of Hollywood and its scenic vibe.

Russell is a star in the making, and once the lottery is settled, the Lakers will be left to jumpstart his road to stardom.

Next: Our Latest NBA Mock Draft

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