Lakers Draft News: Should Los Angeles Trade No. 2 Pick?

Lakers draft news following the conclusion of the NBA Draft Lottery 2016 is shifting towards whether or not Los Angeles should trade it elsewhere.

Lady luck was once again on the side of the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.

After selecting Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell in the 2014 and 2015 NBA Drafts respectively, the Lakers will once again have the opportunity to select a franchise cornerstone with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.

The two major players in this year’s draft with superstar potential are Ben Simmons from Louisiana State University and Brandon Ingram from Duke.

During his lone year at LSU, Simmons averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 0.8 blocks, and 4.8 assists per game, whereas Ingram averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and two assists per game.

Ingram is the better three-point shooter as he averaged 41% from distance, while Simmons connected on only 33% of his attempts, even though he only attempted three three-pointers in 33 games.

In terms of fit, Ingram would fit the bill nicely in Los Angeles, as the Lakers desperately need a three-point threat.

But the real question is do the Lakers want to select another young prospect and wait for him to develop?

According to Colin Cowherd, the answer is no:

Cowherd does have a point, the Lakers are not used to rebuilding through the draft and they just want to get back to what they used to be –and that is a franchise that wins championships.

Or at least competes.

The Lakers already have a young core in Randle, Russell, and Jordan Clarkson. Another young prospect would be nice, but the Lakers don’t have the time or patience.

So let’s get back to question at hand – should the Lakers trade their pick?

Quite frankly, they should at least shop the pick around the league to see whom they could possibly get in return.

Bill Simmons from DeadSpin gives us insight into a possible scenario:

Paul George came back from his broken leg injury and had an outstanding season; he averaged 23.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.

This trade would give the Lakers a boost at the small forward spot as they’ve desperately lacked production at the position.

Would Indiana agree to this trade?

Perhaps not, but they potentially would listen to what the Lakers have to offer.

The downside to the trade is the team would have to give up D’Angelo Russell or one of their other young prospects in order to make the trade work financially.

Another option is to package the pick in a sign-and-trade situation.

It is no secret that the Lakers are interested in soon to be free agent Kevin Durant, so why not attempt a sign-and-trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder?

If Durant does want to leave OKC, then Thunder management would be wise to listen to any sign-and-trade offers as they would at least get players in return while Durant goes elsewhere.

No matter what the Lakers decide to do with their pick, it will have to involve part of the young core as part of the trade.

But if it makes the Lakers better, why not?

The Lakers don’t like losing 126 games in two years, and 38 wins in two years is far from the Lakers’ standards.

This off-season will prove to be the most crucial one the Lakers will face since their last signed superstar free-agent – Shaquille O’Neal.

Having the number two overall pick certainly improves the team’s pitch to free-agents.

Next: Lakers Secure No. 2 Overall Pick Again

It’s time for a change, and Lakers fans will certainly welcome a positive shift with open arms.