D’Angelo Russell is a fantastic and fascinating pick by the Lakers.
Everyone talks about, “What happened to the heritage of the great Lakers big men?” They will cite Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and Wilt Chamberlain and say the Lakers should have chosen Jahlil Oakafor with their #2 pick in the draft.
What these critics aren’t realizing is the common denominator amongst these centers:
They weren’t drafted.
They were all traded to the Lakers.
When you look at their history, selecting Russell, really, is true to form for the franchise.
In the draft, the Lakers pick up Earvin Johnson, James Worthy, those types of players. They look for dynamic small forward shooting guards with talent and will and the potential to be the next star.
Russell could very well be that player.
His uncanny passing ability and shooting prowess give off a Stephen Curry vibe. His wingspan is greater than last year’s NBA Championship MVP and defensive leader, Kawhi Leonard. And there’s something in his eyes, in his demeanor. There’s a Kobe Bryant edge to him.
In Oakafor, the Lakers would have obtained a higher risk player who has already shown to be a bit injury-prone. If he goes down in the first month of the season, if he starts them down the path of another debilitating season, the risk is just too great.
Russell has the chance to be an impact player right from the start.
He also makes the franchise appetizing to the several free agent centers on the market. LaMarcus Aldridge from the Portland Trailblazers is the name everyone has been talking about. If the Lakers can manage to retain Julius Randle, and their health, a starting core of Jordan Clarkson, D’Angelo Russell, Kobe Bryant, Julius Randle, and LaMarcus Aldridge puts them in the Playoffs next season.
DeMarcus Cousins has been another name tossed around the Lakers trade rumors. Vice president of basketball and franchise operations for the Sacramento Kings, Vlade Divac, says he isn’t interested in trading Cousins. The owner wants to retain him. But head coach, George Karl, seems to not, and the man himself, Cousins, certainly appears interested in leaving.
If the Lakers can somehow manage to work out a blockbuster trade, Cousins gives them a much needed grit.
Finally, it appears, Los Angeles is re-emerging as a marquee destination for superstar talent. Can you feel it? The buzz is in the air. One or two more pieces and this team could be a legitimate threat next season.