Lakers’ week in review

The Lakers continued to prepare for the June 25th NBA draft, working out prospects as they try to nail down their options for the second, 27th and 34th overall picks.

The most likely option for the No. 2 pick appears to be Duke’s Jahlil Okafor. The 19-year old big man is well aware of the Lakers’ success historically with centers.

Okafor will join the NBA as a potent scorer, but he’ll need to improve his defense and free-throw shooting.

Many experts predict the Lakers will take Okafor. Perhaps most importantly, Okafor wants to be a Laker.

The Lakers also auditioned Ohio State guard D’Angelo Russell, who hopes to emulate Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry. Russell also dined with the Lakers’ basketball operations staff.

The team looked at another guard option in Emmanuel Mudiay, who played in China last season. Mudiay called the NBA “a point guard’s league.”

The debate over taking a center or a guard may continue until the last moment. General Manager Mitch Kupchak insisted that the team has no decision yet on their No. 2 draft pick, but their choice could change the franchise’s direction in a hurry.

The Lakers also looked at players for their two later picks, including Arizona defensive ace Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, along with Murray State point guard Cameron Payne, although he isn’t expected to be available at 27.

Duke point guard Quinn Cook, who played with Okafor, tried to present his versatility to the Lakers.

Darion Atkins, a power forward at Virginia, hoped to show his ACC background is a benefit.

Many of the Lakers’ draft prospects are inspired by the rise of guard Jordan Clarkson, who was taken by the Lakers with the 46th overall pick in 2014.

Wyoming power forward Larry Nance Jr. would love to follow in dad’s footsteps.

The Lakers held a final group workout last Friday. They’ll continue to privately bring back players leading up to Thursday’s draft.

Meanwhile, an oddsmaker didn’t give the Lakers much of a chance to win a title next season.

Kobe Bryant analyzed Game 3 of NBA Finals for fans in China.

Conner Henry was named head coach of the D-Fenders, the Lakers’ NBA Development League affiliate.

Finally, if the Minnesota Timberwolves draft Kentucky’s Karl-Anthony Towns and the Lakers select Okafor, the two may square off in Las Vegas in July when the teams face each other in the NBA’s summer league.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.