Lakers Rumors: Three Moves for the New GM
By Jason Reed
2. Trade Up to Draft Lonzo Ball
Perhaps the biggest of the Lakers Rumors is that Lonzo Ball seems like he is meant to be a Los Angeles Laker next season. The Lakers executives have already shown a keen liking to the young point guard, and would create one of the best young back-courts in basketball. The Lakers could shift either Russell or Ball to the shooting guard in order to create this back court, as they undoubtedly feed off of each other. It is going to take some moves, but the Lakers can get this done.
The Lakers will undoubtedly need to trade either Julius Randle or Brandon Ingram to get this deal done. Whichever team Los Angeles attempts to trade with will dictate this deal. According to CBSSports Mock Draft, Ball likely won’t go until fourth or fifth. Howard Megdel has Ball going fifth overall to the 76ers, and Gary Parrish has him going fourth overall to the Miami Heat. Of course, the Draft Lottery is so unpredictable and could somehow see the Lakers getting their pick back from Philadelphia if it is in the top three.
If not, the Lakers will need to attempt to get a deal done for one of these top five picks. It is risky too, because you can pinpoint exactly who wants him and where he will go. The Lakers need to get as high of a pick as they can to get Ball. If I was Los Angeles, I would attempt to trade Ingram/Randle, the Rockets 2017 1st round pick, and potentially their first round pick next season.