Lakers Rumors: Possible trade packages to receive another draft pick
By Jason Reed
The latest Lakers rumors entail that the team may do some draft day maneuvering.
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a promising situation. First, Paul George reportedly told the Indiana Pacers that he plans to pursue free agency after this season and that the Los Angeles Lakers are his desired destination. This is huge for the Lakers, who have needed that superstar factor since Kobe Bryant’s departure. However, that is not the topic at hand here.
The topic at hand is the 2017 NBA Draft. Los Angeles currently holds the second overall selection in the draft behind the Philadelphia 76ers. It is widely regarded that the 76ers will select Markelle Fultz, as they moved up in the draft for him, leaving the Lakers with the choice between Lonzo Ball and Josh Jackson.
This is huge for the Lakers as just a few months ago they did not even know if they would be retaining their own selection. Philadelphia held the rights to the pick if it fell outside the top three, with the Lakers having more than a 50% chance that it would. Los Angeles got their pick, and now, Magic Johnson and company can settle.
Or, maybe not. Along with the second overall selection in the draft the team also owns the Rockets selection. Reports are now circling that the Lakers are considering flipping that pick in a package deal to move up in the draft, perhaps even to a lottery selection.
With that being said, we are going to take a look at possible trade packages the Lakers can construct to bring in another lottery pick.