NBA Mock Draft: Los Angeles Lakers Select Jahlil Okafor From Duke University

NBA Mock Draft Pick #2 -- Jahlil Okafor, Center, Duke

SB Nation's Lakers' blog Silver Screen & Roll explains the pick:

With the second pick in the 2015 SB Nation NBA mock draft, the Los Angeles Select Jahlil Okafor from Duke University.

Okafor may not be the on-paper fit that Karl-Anthony Towns would have been, but he's still an incredible catch for the Lakers who were on the brink of losing their top-five protected pick. Only one other player -- D'Angelo Russell -- was in actual consideration with this pick, but a chance to build a frontcourt with Okafor and Randle locked in is a great step toward a new era. Okafor's footwork, knack for scoring around the rim, athleticism and ability to pass out of the post should make him a focal point of the Lakers' offense as he continues developing.

The Lakers have been searching for a franchise big man and there's plenty of optimism that Jahlil will become that guy.

1) Minnesota Timberwolves: KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS

2) Los Angeles Lakers: JAHLIL OKAFOR

3) Philadelphia 76ers

4) New York Knicks

5) Orlando Magic

6) Sacramento Kings

7) Denver Nuggets

8) Detroit Pistons

9) Charlotte Hornets

10) Miami Heat

11) Indiana Pacers

12) Utah Jazz

13) Phoenix Suns

14) Oklahoma City Thunder

15) Atlanta Hawks

16) Boston Celtics

17) Milwaukee Bucks

18) Houston Rockets

19) Washington Wizards

20) Toronto Raptors

21) Dallas Mavericks

22) Chicago Bulls

23) Portland Trail Blazers

24) Cleveland Cavaliers

25) Memphis Grizzlies

26) San Antonio Spurs

27) Los Angeles Lakers

28) Boston Celtics

29) Brooklyn Nets

30) Golden State Warriors