Lakers Rumors: What the Lakers can receive from a Julius Randle trade

First Overall Selection in the 2017 NBA Draft

This may seem crazy, as Julius Randle alone is not enough to bring in a first round pick. It may also seem crazy because the Lakers have the second overall selection, so why would they trade up for just one spot? Well, as crazy as it sounds, it is a very viable possibility.

Reports are circulating that the Lakers fell in love with Markelle Fultz during his workout with the team on Thursday. This had led to the Lakers reportedly considering packaging the second overall selection and Julius Randle in order to secure their chances of landing Fultz.

This is obviously a huge win for the Celtics, as they don’t really need Fultz. Their backcourt is set with Avery Bradley and Isaiah Thomas, so there is no need to waste a first overall selection on a sixth man. Josh Jackson, the small forward from Kansas, seems to be the better fit. In this instance, the Celtics would still get Jackson, their preferred target, and get to bring in Randle.

You may ask then, why would the Lakers trade up in the draft if the Celtics are better suited to select Jackson? Well, now there is another team in the mix. ESPN reported that the 76ers are in talks with Boston for the number one selection. The 76ers would likely give up the third overall selection and a future first round pick. Again, the Celtics could still get Jackson in this case.

I think this move would only hurt the Lakers. The last thing Los Angeles needs is another young player that will only develop as he scores. Los Angeles needs a floor general, a playmaker, they need Lonzo Ball. It would be foolish to give up Randle when the team may not even need Fultz.