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Former Ohio State Buckeyes point guard D'Angelo Russell is among the biggest X-factors in the 2015 NBA draft, and his status continues to be the subject of considerable intrigue as the draft approaches.

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Russell Reportedly in Play for Lakers at No. 2

Thursday, June 25

As the Lakers weigh their options ahead of Thursday's draft, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported the franchise is "undecided" on selecting either Russell or Jahlil Okafor with the second overall selection.

On June 12, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported the Louisville, Kentucky, native cancelled his workout with the 76ers due to being "real sick."

However, Joe Kotoch of SheridanHoops.com noted there might have been another reason for the cancellation: "There are several scouts and executives that believe Russell is the best prospect in this draft and will have the biggest impact as a rookie. There is growing speculation that Russell’s camp received a promise and in turn canceled a workout with the 76ers."

The Lakers are the one team that will likely determine the path of the draft since they could go in any number of different directions. Provided the Minnesota Timberwolves select Kentucky big man Karl-Anthony Towns with the No. 1 overall selection, the Lakers will have a choice between Okafor and Russell, and perhaps even a trade.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, the Lakers and Sacramento Kings have discussed a potential deal that would send the second pick and more to Sacramento for All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins.

If the Lakers stand pat, though, Okafor would seem to be a better fit than Russell since they have a definite need for a big man who can dominate in the paint. They already have a promising point guard in Jordan Clarkson, and drafting Russell would likely diminish his role greatly.

Russell is a more complete player than Okafor and arguably the best all-around talent in the draft, though, which means he could end up with L.A. if the Lakers spurn drafting for need in favor of taking the best player available.

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