Two years ago, the Los Angeles Lakers surprised almost everyone when they selected D’Angelo Russell with the number two pick in the NBA draft. The front office used this valuable selection on a point guard, even though the incumbent at that position, Jordan Clarkson, had just been awarded first team All-Rookie honors – the first Laker rookie so honored since Eddie Jones in 1995.
When asked for an explanation, General Manager Mitch Kupchak explained that Russell was the best player available.
The flaw in Kupchak’s thought process has grown more pronounced over the past two years.