Sophomore cager Jahlil Okafor was someone that the Los Angeles Lakers would have drafted had it not for a sudden shift to D’Angelo Russel instead in the 2015 NBA Draft. But, if the Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers can work something out, Jahlil Okafor could still end up wearing the purple and gold next season.
The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to pull the right strings this coming offseason as it tries yet again to return to form. The offseason will see the Lakers looking at free agents though there could be a chance that the Lakers may land Jahlil Okafor from the Philadelphia 76ers if a deal can be worked out.
The Philadelphia 76ers revealed a couple of days ago that they are exploring at possible trades for both Okafor and Nerlens Noel as they broaden their possibilities for the coming season.
The Sixers will likely go for either Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram though they can get both if they work out a trade with the Lakers who are selecting second.
With that in mind, the Sixers and the Lakers could trade for the second pick and Jahlil Okafor will likely be the one the Lakers would want. Rewinding a bit to last year, everyone probably remembers how the Lakers were impressed with the 20-year-old center so a deal could be possible.
Before jumping the gun however, the Lakers will likely want to see Simmons or Ingram work out with them before deciding on what to do with their second pick in the coming NBA Draft.
The Lakers have already seen Jahlil Okafor in action last season, seeing a lot of potential on the offensive end though work on his defensive prowess is a must. Aside from that, there are of course the off-court distractions the 6-foot-11 slotman had that questions his maturity level.
With a new head coach in Luke Walton next year, it will be interesting who he would rather go with – Okafor or one of the top rookies (Simmons and Ingram) they eventually get to select unless that right is traded away before NBA Draft night.
