Lakers Rumors: Lakers are best off trading down in the draft to the Kings

The approach that the Los Angeles Lakers will take in the 2017 NBA Draft has been the biggest topic of discussion among the latest Lakers rumors.

Lonzo Ball, Josh Jackson, De’Aaron Fox, Dennis Smith Jr, Markelle Fultz, who will it be? All of these prospects have seen their names circling in the latest Lakers rumors. Nobody quite knows who the Los Angeles Lakers will take with the second overall selection in the draft, causing more speculation than the common fan can follow.

For the longest time, many assumed that UCLA guard Lonzo Ball was inevitably going to be a Laker. However, the other prospects in the draft have picked up traction, causing question marks to rise.

Josh Jackson was always a reported target for the Lakers, but talks of him heading to Los Angeles have picked up steam as of late. Jackson was reportedly promised that he would be drafted, prompting him to cancel his workout with the Boston Celtics. The common consensus is that the Lakers or 76ers made this promise to Jackson.

Then there is De’Aaron Fox, who worked out with the Lakers on Tuesday, potentially impressing the Lakers executives with his athleticism. Especially after Ball seemed “out of shape” during his workout, this athleticism was a much-needed sight for Magic Johnson and company.

Markelle Fultz could always be an option if he is not selected first overall. Fultz is a great scorer, perhaps the best in this draft, but the Lakers never really seriously pursued him – as he likely will be the first overall pick.

Then there is Dennis Smith Jr, who serves as a dark horse candidate for the Lakers. Smith has been out shadowed in this draft despite being one of the most talented in the class.

This has made the Lakers decision tough. The Lakers rumors have told us many stories, however, the best route may be to trade down with the Sacramento Kings.

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The Kings own the fifth and tenth overall selection and would benefit greatly from a playmaker like Ball or a scorer like Fultz. Either way, one of those guys will be available by the time the second pick rolls around, prompting the Kings to trade up.

A logical trade would be the fifth and tenth pick heading to Los Angeles, with the second overall pick and Larry Nance Jr heading to Sacramento. Some fans may not want to see Nance go, but the Lakers can improve with their tenth selection.

With the fifth overall selection, the Lakers can take either De’Aaron Fox or Dennis Smith, filling their need for a point guard. Heck, if both of them are taken it would leave Jackson still in the fray, allowing the Lakers to take him three picks later than usual.

Then with the tenth overall pick the Lakers can target a different UCLA player, power forward T.J. Leaf. Leaf has the perfect mold for a stretch four in the NBA and would be a great scorer off the bench behind Julius Randle. He has a huge ceiling, perhaps one day turning into a Kevin Love caliber player.

Next: D'Angelo Russell to the 76ers is a realistic possibility

Overall, until draft day hits us on June 22, the Lakers rumors will continue to circle. However, the best route the Lakers could take may be to trade away their coveted pick.

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