The Los Angeles Lakers has a huge chance to get the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. However, there are rumors that the team wants to improve their performance right away and prefers to swap their opportunity for a future star to someone who already has a name in the league.
Sources claim that the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to trade the No. 1 draft pick, if they acquire it in the NBA lottery, for an established superstar. The team also risks not having a first-round pick completely if the lottery is against their favor. They will either have a significantly improved season, or suffer a worse one without the recently retired Kobe Bryant.
Lakers Option #1: Use Their Top Pick
Fansided wrote that unless the Los Angeles Lakers’ pick ends up in the NBA lottery, the pick will be forwarded to the Philadelphia 76ers, to make good on a deal with the Phoenix Suns, previously made in July 2012. Four years ago, the Lakers swapped their 2013 first- and second-round picks, a 2014 second-round pick and a protected 2015 first-round pick for Steve Nash.
When the Lakers decided to use their No. 2 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, the pick in favor of the Suns was forwarded to 2016. On the other hand, the 76ers gained the pick in a three-team deal with the Suns and Milwaukee Bucks in February 2015.
If the Los Angeles Lakers use their No. 1 pick, they may invest in LSU forward Ben Simmons or Duke forward Brandon Ingram. This could help the Los Angeles Lakers by taking some time to let the team develop, together with blossoming names like Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell.
Lakers Option #2: Get a Legit Superstar
If the Los Angeles Lakers decide to let go of their top draft pick in exchange for an established superstar, they have a number of good options that will hopefully improve the team dynamics for years to come.
DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings is a viable option, considering how his relationships with his current management team and teammates have been strained through the past years.
Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls may also be acquired by the Lakers. There were rumors that a few key players in Chicago are thinking of transferring after their lackluster 2015-2016 season.
According to ChatSportsNet, the Los Angeles Lakers may also be looking into Chandler Parsons of the Dallas Mavericks and Kevin Durant of the OKC Thunder. More updates and details on the Los Angeles Lakers are expected soon.
