Lakers Draft 2015: 'No doubt' Timberwolves draft Karl-Anthony Towns with No. 1 pick, according to report

The Minnesota Timberwolves have made the decision to draft Karl-Anthony Towns with the first pick in the NBA Draft, according to a recent report by Mark Heisler. Wolves Head Coach and General Manager Flip Saunders had been leaning towards Jahlil Okafor, but changed his mind after meeting with Towns in Los Angeles.

Here is an excerpt from the report:

In the Lakers' dreams, Minnesota, picking No. 1 in the NBA draft, would take Jahlil Okafor, dropping Karl Towns to them at No. 2, which looked like it could happen but does no longer.

Minnesota GM/coach Flip Saunders, who had been leaning toward Okafor, is said to have turned pro-Towns after seeing him last week in Los Angeles.

The splash sent ripples throughout the NBA. Says an insider: "There's no doubt, the T-Wolves are taking Towns."

Towns was at the top of most draft boards around the league, so Saunders coming around to the consensus is certainly not a surprise. Should the Wolves indeed take Towns then the Lakers will be left choosing from a well-known list of prospects, including Jahlil Okafor, D'Angelo Russell, Emanuel Mudiay, and Kristaps Porzingis.

However, the Lakers are rumored to be "locked in on" taking Okafor with their pick, who would not only provide a solid presence in the middle but also seems to be enamored with landing in Los Angeles. Landing Okafor, who was expected to go first overall for most of the college season, would certainly give Lakers fans reason to celebrate.

With the draft still two weeks away, it looks as though the top two picks in the draft are starting to become clear. A lot can change between now and draft night, so keep checking in here at SS&R for all the latest Lakers news.