Randle, 19, was one of five one-and-done college players selected with the top 10 picks in the draft. The Lakers were also enamored by another freshman in Indiana's Noah Vonleh and Louisiana-Lafayette's Elfrid Payton, who were both still on the board when L.A. drafted, but ultimately went with Randle, who impressed the Lakers' front office during his solo workout leading up to the draft. In particular, Randle turned heads with his tenacity in a game of one-on-one against Lakers assistant coach Mark Madsen, followed by two-on-two against members of the Lakers' support staff. "Once he realized what was going on, his competitive juices really started to flow and it was very impressive what kicked in," Kupchak said. "I just really felt good playing there," Randle added. "It was a tough workout, but I think I really had a good showing there, which is why they were really comfortable with taking me." http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/...s-angeles-lakers-take-julius-randle-no-7-pick This is what separates prospects for us. Grant it, I know Okafor and Towns are essentially 1 and 2 in any mock draft; nevertheless, still disappointed by Towns decision.
Is there any way he plans to work out on the down-low with us, like a private discussion between his agent and the Lakers without the media or league informed? Or do teams have to submit paperwork to the league for every workout?
I always assumed you had to submit that kind of thing to the league in some capacity but I don't actually know that for a fact.
It's in Okafor's court now. If Okafor refuses to work out for Mini, and Works out for LA, that demonstration would trump Towns refusing to workout for both teams and force Mini to take Towns.
Randle+24+37 to minny for #1. Okafor/Black Towns/Davis/Kelly Carroll/Young Kobe/Ellington/Brown Clarkson/Mo
Yeah this is such a weird chess match. We're not down here often so I don't know how this stuff goes down usually. If I'm Okafor, I do exactly what you said. I workout JUST for LA. It shows great interest in the franchise, trumps Towns who suddenly sounds like an injury risk maybe, and then he snubs Minnesota in the process. I wonder if Flip looks at all that and decides to take Russell or Mudiay just to give both big men the finger.
Lakers News: Jeanie Buss Calls Team’s No. 2 Pick ‘Best Surprise’ Posted by: Russell Valenzuela Posted date: May 30, 2015 In: News | Comments : 43 SHARETWEET After winning the second overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves with plenty of optimism entering next season. The team registered the worst winning percentage in franchise history and hoped to keep their protected top-five pick. During an episode of “Connected With…” on TWC SportsNet, Lakers president Jeanie Buss shared her thoughts on moving up and described the second pick as a surprise. She also discussed head coach Byron Scott’s appearance while naming him a good choice: It’s the best surprise that you can get, getting the number two pick. I loved the look on Byron’s face. He was a great representative of the Lakers and the fan base. He was cool and collective, but then he got a nice smile on his face when he knew. The Lakers came into the lottery with plenty to lose. After finishing with the league’s fourth worst regular season, the team had an 12.6 percent chance of landing first overall but a 17.2 percent chance of losing their pick. For the most part the lottery went as expected. The Lakers were the only team to move up while the New York Knicks were the only one to move down. With the second pick, the Lakers are now in position to turn their fortunes around. Most draft experts believe the team will draft either Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor, the top two bigman prospects available. Of course, whomever the select depends on who the Minnesota Timberwolves take. General manager Mitch Kapchak recently mentioned drafting a big isn’t a guarantee. The team still needs to bring in prospects for workouts and get a better feel. Another popular choice for the Lakers is guard D’Angelo Russell. Regardless of which direction the Lakers go, the team is hopeful they will draft a valuable asset. http://www.lakersnation.com/lakers-news-jeanie-buss-calls-teams-no-2-pick-best-surprise/2015/05/30/
Jonathan Givony@DraftExpress 9m9 minutes ago Who said Karl Towns isn't doing any workouts? Stay tuned...
Since we were not concerned, I don't know if there was the same question last time 2 bigs (Howard, Okafor) were predicted to be #1 and #2 in the draft.
I just assumed that Towns to the Wolves was guaranteed. They were gushing all over him and obsessed with the idea of getting him so maybe he thinks there's no point in doing these workouts. That's the only explanation I could think of, which still sounds quite stupid tbh. Lol.
Well now teams are swinging back the other way thinking Okafor could go to Minny. There's so many mind games this low in the draft it makes me dizzy. I'm thinking the Wolves are floating that they might take Okafor to force Towns into a workout...
^^^ That's great realdeal. The plot thickens. This is Netflix' and FOX's "Americans" with the hammer and cycle for the c .....serious stuff.
