It’s looking like a near lock that Jahlil Okafor will become a member of the Los Angeles Lakers on June 25th. Okafor, who worked out with the team on Tuesday, met the approval of the most iconic player in Laker history, Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
I love Okafor because he's won a state championship in HS, NCAA Title at Duke and he can bring that championship pedigree to the Lakers.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 10, 2015
We had an exclusive conversation with the former Duke Center on Friday afternoon, and it seems we broke a bit of news to him. (If you define Magic’s Tweet as news, as many national outlets did)
I asked Okafor about his reaction to Johnson’s Tweet, and he said I was the first to inform him of it.
“I didn’t see that, but that’s great,” Jahlil Okafor said.
“One of the greatest players to play the sport I love, so I’m very happy. It’s a great feeling.”
I also asked Okafor what his impressions were of the Lakers organization, having just worked out with them.
“They’re all about winning, they’ve done it many times, over and over, and that’s what I’ve been about during my basketball career,” he responded.
It just so happens that Minnesota Timberwolves Coach and GM Flip Saundersย “flipped” (Sorry, really, I’m so sorry) his stance on who he wants to take with the #1 overall pick. At least that’s what’s being reported. Saunders supposedly favors Karl Anthony Towns after being so impressed with him during the private workout.
That could obviously change if Okafor works out for the T’Wolves.
The official website of the NBA has a Consensus Mock Draft, a compilation of 12 mock drafts around the web.
Most of the mock drafts have the same top 4, in some order. All 12 have Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor going No. 1 and No. 2 (or vice versa). Eight of the 12 mocks have “Ja” coming to the Lake Show. The draft is ten days away, so keep checking that consensus mock to see if and how it changes.
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski has compared Okafor to former Blue Devils big men Elton Brand and Carlos Boozer.
“Ja’s the biggest one [of all the aforementioned Duke players], and he can pass the best of the three,” Krzyzewski said.
Okafor shared his stories of 2015 Draft preparation as part of Speed Stickโs #DefyTheDoubt initiative.
The Chicago product and one-and-done to the NBA didn’t attend the scouting combine held in his hometown last month. However, he’ll be attending the draft in New York City; along with friends and family.
“The best part is I’ll have my family here supporting me all the way through,” he said.
With a 7’4″ wingspan, Okafor is a true center, who acts and plays like a true center. He’s a throwback to another era. As Jay Bilas (who’s favorite word is wingspan) put it: โwhenever he gets the ball within 8 feet of the rim, the ball just dives right in.โ
After working out with the Lakers, Jahlil spoke of how impressed he is by Kobe Bryant and how he hopes Bryant will be hard on him. He’s looking forward to the idea of Bryant giving him the same tough love.
โHe [Bryant] wants to win. Hopefully, when I come here, heโd be super hard on me. Iโve seen the video of him in practice, and I love it โฆ Iโm ready for that,โ Okafor told the media assembled that day.
When I asked Jahlil Okafor what traits he admires most in Kobe, he mentioned all the Black Mamba’s tremendous success throughout his career.
This upcoming season, it appears the torch will soon be passed. Okafor, who’s drawn comparisons to Tim Duncan, is likely coming to the NBA’s proudest and most glamorous franchise. Unless something drastic happens between now and draft day, it’s probably time to get ready for Ja Rule in La-La land.
Paul M. Banksย owns, operates and writesย The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered withย Fox Sports Digital. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. He also appears regularly on numerous sports talk radio stations all across the country.
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