With the second pick in Orlando Pinstriped Post's 2015 NBA mock draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select Duke C Jahlil Okafor. The general manager representing the Lakers is yourdribbleizcookiez and his reasoning for the pick is below.
Maybe the easiest selection in this year's Draft. With the first top big man selected, Los Angeles can not go wrong with Jahlil Okafor, rated as the consensus number one pick throughout much of the year before taking a slight hit in the Tournament (or perhaps taking a backseat to KAT's more recent, impressive performances). The more polished offensively of the top two picks, Okafor stands to carry on the Lakers tradition of great big men, providing immediate scoring punch from the pivot with an advanced back to the basket game. With huge hands, soft touch, and impressive footwork and fluidity, Jahlil is ready to be an NBA contributor from day one.
Okafor joins LA's talented youngsters in Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle in carrying the torch to transition back to relevance, and stands to learn from future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant in what might be his last season. While his weaknesses include shot blocking prowess, free throw shooting, and defending the pick and roll, this NCAA champion is as close to a can't miss for a Lakers organization that can not afford to whiff their pick after suffering through some injury plagued, losing seasons.
---
The Philadelphia Sixers are now on the clock for the 3rd pick in the OPP mock draft.
