My problem with the Lauri-as-a-#1 idea is this:
Lauri is very likely no better as a #1 than Donovan was (Donovan has a lot longer track record of performing at that level on much better teams). Yet almost everyone here concluded Donovan wasn't good enough in that role to make us a true contender.
I don't doubt that Lauri can be a #1 for a playoff team. But for a real championship contender ... I have my doubts.
I think the Jazz are definitely best served to assume that Laurie can be a great #2 and keep searching for a #1. If he turns into a #1 anyway, that's just icing on the cake.
#1 - Donovan was never a 2-way threat, Lauri is
#2 - Donovan admitted he didn't try on defense at all. Lauri is probably our 2nd best defender.
#3 - Lauri is one of the most efficient players in the league this year, period. Donovan is better this year but has never been known for his efficiency. He was and is known for volume.
#4 - Lauri is a 3-position threat, both on offense and defense. Mitchell is a one position player with obvious physical limitations which we saw exploited again and again.
Now, giving Mitchell the obvious that he is and has been the go-to #1 for years now, Lauri needs to show the same level of consistency year over year. But from what we are seeing right now, IF this is the real Lauri, he will be better than Mitchell was and likely a better #1 option, again IF this is for real, and IF he continues developing. He might be at his peak right now, who knows, we have seen players do this before, get a break-out year then fizzle out. But from what we are seeing Lauri definitely has the potential to be better than Mitchell, and a real #1 for us. But only time will tell.
That all said, I agree we still need to keep looking for a solid natural #1. That is what every team looks for. If we find it, then Lauri's position is just strengthened. But it is entirely possible Lauri can be that #1 and a solid #2 will elevate us to contender status. Remains to be seen.