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Lakers rumors: Team has no interest in actually tanking

By Keith Rivas

February 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) moves the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) moves the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The latest Lakers rumors have to do with whether or not the team is trying to tank for a better draft slot.

So after all of that, the question as to why the Lakers are winning when they don’t need to might finally be answered. There’s several top prospects on their radar for the upcoming draft, but that might not be where their true intentions are.

Tanking isn’t one of their concerns, either. After another win late in the season, Los Angeles has put themselves in an interesting situation.

According to a report from Lakers Nation, both Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr. took a strong stance on the issue of tanking.

Per Lakers Nation:

"“To me it’s ridiculous, I think it’s crazy,” Nance Jr. told LakersNation.com after their third straight win. “Our job is to go out there and play basketball as hard as we can every single night."

Then came comments from Julius Randle.

"“Tanking? We don’t believe in that, us as players we go out there and compete, we do this for a living,” Julius Randle said. “Me personally, and I know my guys, we don’t believe in going out there and trying to lose games."

The young core is not having it. No more losing on purpose.

Sometimes, the truth isn’t what we want to hear. Fans would like to hear them say that the future is everything, but that’s not the case.

Since this young core wants to win now, it speaks to their character. Not only that, but also how they treat the game of basketball. It’s more than a game to a lot of players, especially those fortunate enough to play in the NBA.

Next: Jaylen Hands Will Help Take Care Of UCLA

Whether or not Los Angeles gets a good draft pick might not be of concern, but winning at the right time should be.

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