Report: Lakers may have interest in Porzingis at No. 2
It's fascinating how rumors can mushroom from one impressive workout.
Latvian big man Kristaps Porzingis worked out for a large group of NBA executives in Las Vegas on Friday, which led to reported interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
The seven-footer has been pegged by most as a top-five selection, but hasn't really entered Lakers chatter until now. One report had L.A. "locked in" on Duke center Jahlil Okafor, while general manager Mitch Kupchak said last month the Lakers are considering anywhere from four to eight players with their No. 2 pick.
Porzingis is also reportedly in play for the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 3, and while another big is not a dire need for the Sixers, general manager Sam Hinkie is pretty much capable of anything.
The 19-year-old Porzingis is a prototypical stretch four, and his workout at Impact Basketball in Vegas had the superlatives flying:
Porzingis was VERY impressive in workout. A scout called him the best player in the draft "He's better than Karl Towns," said the scout.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) June 12, 2015
Scouts drooling over big, agile, European floor spacers is nothing new - and has been met with mixed results. That said, it would be surprising if Porzingis dropped out of the top seven.
No matter what, he does appear to possess a sense of humor.