D'Angelo Russell to the Los Angeles Lakers with the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft

The Los Angeles Lakers will need to think about life after Kobe Bryant very soon, and today, they may have picked his eventual replacement. With the second pick in the draft, the Lakers picked up Ohio State standout D'Angelo Russell.

Russell is the first Ohio State player drafted in the top five since Evan Turner went second overall, to the 76ers, in 2010. Russell did everything for Ohio State last season, averaging 19.3 ppg, along with a team leading 5.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Russell recorded a triple double against Rutgers while a Buckeye, and was the primary offensive weapon in virtually every facet of the game, despite getting the most attention from defenses.

Russell brings quality three point shooting, an excellent handle and superlative passing vision to LA, where he could potentially play either guard position, and will get a chance to learn from one of the very best guards of all time. With Julius Randle coming back, and with LA always a popular destination with free agents, the Lakers, and Russell, could be a solid basketball team again relatively quickly.

We wish him the very best of luck in what should be a long and prosperous NBA career.