The Los Angeles Lakers had a fairly good 2017 NBA Draft. However, when looking at their selection it leads to Lakers rumors around Julius Randle.
Even after the blockbuster D’Angelo Russelltradeand the selection of Lonzo Ball, theLakers rumorscontinue to swirl. Especially with the prospect of apotential Paul George tradeto Los Angeles, the Lakers rumors are heavy. Taking what we saw in the 2017 NBA Draft from the Lakers, as fans we can connect the dots on their next move.
Fans saw the Lakers take homefour new talentsin the 2017 NBA Draft. First was the inevitable, Lonzo Ball. Ball has been connected to the Lakers before he even declared for the draft, so this selection seemed to be incredibly predictable.
Alongside point guard Lonzo Ball the Lakers also drafted shooting guard Josh Hart. Hart was taken with the last selection in the first round by the Lakers. With his dynamic scoring ability, Hart should thrive in purple and gold. Hart has a great chance to be the biggest sleeper in this year’s draft class.
However, it is not the two guards that signal to an eventual trade. Instead, it is the Lakers 27th and 42nd overall selections; power forward Kyle Kuzma and center Thomas Bryant.
Kuzma was likely drafted to give the Lakers a stretch four, something they do not currently have. While his shooting can get better, Kuzma fits in a similar role that TJ Leaf did for UCLA – perhaps making Lonzo Ball more comfortable.
As for Bryant, he was a decent scoring center for the Indiana University. Bryant was a menace down low at the collegiate level with his great shot blocking ability. However, with Bryant’s six-foot-ten frame and low rebounding marks, he may be better suited for a shift to power forward at the NBA level.
More fromLakers Rumors
- Lakers: 5 Players to Target Through Trades to make another championship run
- Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Rajon Rondo
- Lakers Rumors: Jason Kidd no longer being considered for Pelicans job
- Lakers Rumors: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Rajon Rondo expected to opt out
- Lakers Rumors: Golden State Warriors interested in Dwight Howard
This gives the Lakers four power forwards, something that is not necessarily needed. Because of this, we can assume that one power forward will be dealt. That power forward will be Julius Randle.
With the Lakersreportedly engagedin trade talks with the Indiana Pacers for Paul George, this only intensifies this discussion. Los Angeles has two trade chips at their disposal in Jordan Clarkson and Randle, with Randle being the more valuable of the two.
Dealing Jordan Clarkson would only make the team thinner at guard. With D’Angelo Russell and Nick Young out of the mix, the Lakers don’t have much depth at guard. Trading Clarkson would only increase this issue, deeming it unlikely.
On the contrary, the Lakers are very deep at the power forward position. Julius Randle has been thesubjectof many Lakers rumors, so this may finally be a signal of his departure.
After all, the Lakers practicallytelegraphedtheir selection of Ball after the Russell trade, so this may be another signal of things to come.
Next: Josh Hart is an x-factor
Overall, chances are Paul George will somehow find his way to the Los Angeles Lakers. After the 2017 NBA Draft, it seems like Julius Randle may be part of the price.
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations