More than a decade has passed since the 2015 NBA Draft, a key moment in the careers of several players including Karl-Anthony Towns. During that draft, the Los Angeles Lakers held the No. 2 overall pick and selected D’Angelo Russell from Ohio State as a foundational part of their young roster alongside Julius Randle. Meanwhile, Towns was widely expected and ultimately chosen as the No. 1 overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, positioned as the next franchise big man following legends Kevin Garnett and Kevin Love.

John Calipari, who coached Towns at Kentucky, revealed that he actively encouraged Towns to consider being picked No. 2 by the Lakers rather than aiming for the top spot. This unusual proposal came despite Towns’ clear desire to go first overall and the honor that accompanies it. Calipari shared these details during a conversation about draft strategies and player preferences on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show.

John Calipari’s Insight on Towns’ Draft Position Preferences

Calipari described the uncertainty and tension that surround draft night, emphasizing how deceptive the atmosphere can be due to teams masking their intentions. He explained that some players attempt to influence where they might be selected, sometimes refusing to join certain teams. Towns was no exception. Calipari recalled trying to persuade Towns that being selected No. 2 by the Lakers, in Los Angeles, might be preferable to being picked first by Minnesota. However, Towns stood firm in his wish to be the top pick.

“Well, first of all, I can tell you that sitting at that table is the worst thing in the world. Because you don’t know, because everybody’s lying. So you don’t know where the kid’s getting drafted. But I’ve had multiple players say ‘I’m not being drafted by that team, I’ve already told them.’ And I’m like ‘Are you nuts? That’s three picks down, why would you?’ ‘Because I’m not going there.’ And they were right and I was wrong. When Karl-Anthony Towns was getting drafted, the Lakers wanted him, and they were the 2 pick. And I said ‘You may want to be the 2 pick and be in L.A. and not Minnesota.’ And he said ‘No, I’ll wear a coat. I want to be the number 1 pick.’ And he enjoyed his time there.” —John Calipari, Coach

Why Towns Opted for No. 1 and Its Importance

Choosing to be the first pick in the 2015 Draft was a significant decision for Towns, one that few players get the chance to make. Historically, being the No. 1 overall pick carries prestige and pressure, with about half of those selected first since 1979 eventually earning induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Towns welcomed that challenge and has built a noteworthy career embracing his role as Minnesota’s franchise player.

On the other hand, the Lakers’ 2015 draft pick, D’Angelo Russell, had a more turbulent tenure with the team. Russell was traded within two years and eventually landed with the Dallas Mavericks after stints with the Brooklyn Nets and other franchises. The hypothetical scenario of Towns joining the Lakers instead of Minnesota remains a fascinating question as to how both the Lakers’ and Timberwolves’ futures might have shifted under different circumstances.

The Changing Landscape of the Lakers’ Future Post-2015

The Lakers, traditionally a team built around superstar talent, have seen their roster evolve dramatically since the 2015 draft. LeBron James has been the clear centerpiece since joining the team in 2018, but the franchise’s direction seems to be changing as of 2025. The acquisition of 26-year-old Luka Doncic signaled a potential new era focused on the younger star’s prime years, which has created uncertainty around James’ future with the team.

As the Lakers opted not to renew LeBron James’ contract in the summer of 2025, it appears the 2025-26 season might be his final campaign in Los Angeles, should he choose to continue playing. This shift marks a significant transitional phase for the franchise as it adjusts its strategy around Doncic’s ascending career.

Reflecting on Decisions and Career Trajectories

Karl-Anthony Towns’ firm stance to be drafted No. 1 overall reflects the weight players place on draft position, not only for the honor but for confidence in their own potential. While John Calipari saw the benefits of joining a high-profile team like the Lakers at No. 2, Towns’ choice helped define his path and solidify his status as a franchise cornerstone in Minnesota. Meanwhile, the Lakers’ decisions in draft selections and roster construction continue to influence how their team evolves amid generational changes, notably with stars like LeBron James potentially nearing the end of their time in Los Angeles.