Lakers rumors: Team is prepared for worst case scenario in draft lottery
By Keith Rivas
The latest Lakers rumors address what type of plan they could have if they lose their top three pick.
For the NBA draft to go well for Los Angeles, the latest Lakers rumors won’t have to come true. In the event that the Lakers don’t keep their pick, they could be in trouble.
Time is of the essence. If they can’t get a superstar soon via trade or develop one from the core, expect fans to react. They’ll let you know that they’re not happy.
Whether they select a top prospect or not comes down to luck. It’s unfortunate that teams like the Lakers have had to resort to as many lotteries as they have.
Obviously, they want the pick. But Pelinka said if they don’t, they have to find a way, and they do have a plan to get where they want to.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 13, 2017
But that phase will be over soon.
According to a report from ESPN, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka spoke about the lottery in his exit interview.
Per the report:
"“Listen, I think you have to be prepared for whatever scenario when you’re looking at a random event like the lottery,” Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said Thursday during exit interviews at the team’s practice facility.“People are asking, ‘Do you guys have to have to that pick?’ That’s something that I get asked at every single game. I think we’re prepared to have it, and we also have a plan if we don’t.”"
Paul George could be at the top of their list of superstars in that scenario. They’ll be watching the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs closely, I’m sure, to see if an earlier opportunity for the LA native comes about.
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The whole league will be waiting to see what Los Angeles does if they lose the pick. After winning five of their last six, it’s clear that winning is the most important thing to them moving forward.