Lakers select D’Angelo Russell with No. 2 overall pick in 2015 NBA Draft
D’Angelo Russell gestures to the sky after being selected by the Lakers with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft at Barclays Center in Brookyln, N.Y.
The Lakers selected Ohio State guard D’Angelo Russell with the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft on Thursday night.
At 6-foot-5, Russell is capable of playing either guard position. He’s a well-respected shooter and gifted passer.
“I just try to really model my game after [Golden State Warriors guard] Steph Curry. With his success, he didn’t come into the league playing the way he’s playing now,” said Russell, when he visited the Lakers for a pre-draft workout earlier in the month. “It took some time and the player that he’s developed to be, I see a great resemblance.”
Through 35 games as a freshman with the Buckeyes, Russell averaged 19.3 points a game with 5.0 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals. He shot 44.9% from the field and 41.1% from three-point range.
The Lakers passed on taking Duke center Jahlil Okafor to select Russell. The Minnesota Timberwolves made Kentucky forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns the top overall pick.
Russell can share a backcourt with either veteran All-Star Kobe Bryant, or second-year guard Jordan Clarkson.
The Lakers also have the 27th and 34th picks in Thursday’s draft.
Follow Eric Pincus on Twitter @EricPincus
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