Los Angeles Lakers: Three ways to trade the first-round pick

1. Packaged in a deal for a superstar

The Los Angeles Lakers have been tied to several superstars this summer, most of which have player options. With the option, there is no guarantee that the likes of Paul George, LeBron James or even DeAndre Jordan will hit the open market.

And if the stars do hit the open market the Lakers have the salary cap to sign someone to a max deal. The Lakers enter the offseason with $61 million in practical cap space this summer; more than enough to sign a max deal.

However, if the Lakers want to build an instant contender, the front office is going to have to play with that salary cap. $61 million is a lot of space but is not enough to bring in two stars as well as depth pieces to create a full roster.

Thus, those player options that could hurt the Lakers are ultimately what will help them. Knowing that the Lakers need cap space to bring in help, George or Jordan could approach their teams with the same mindset. Either trade me for a lesser package and get something for me or let me walk for nothing.

Thus, the Lakers can package the awful contract of Luol Deng alongside promising young pieces such as Josh Hart and Ivica Zubac. In that package, of course, would be the 25th overall pick in this year’s draft.

Not only are the Lakers getting a star, the team is causing even more flexibility.