If the Los Angeles Lakers do end up keeping their first-round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, there are a number of directions they could go with the top-three selection.
At this point, it’s looking like the Los Angeles Lakers will be able to keep their first-round pick during the 2017 NBA Draft. They’re currently slated to land in the No. 2 slot, which would allow them to keep the top-three protected pick from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Assuming that’s the case, it’ll be interesting to see how they spend it. The Lakers are in desperate need of more star power and the 2017 draft class appears to have quite a bit of it at the top.
Unfortunately, most of the talent currently available comes in the form of a point guard, which Los Angeles doesn’t necessarily need right now.
That begs the question of whether or not the Lakers could choose to part ways with the pick–or a point guard. Especially with Magic Johnson now calling the shots, it seems as though the possibilities are limitless.
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You know the Lakers won’t be afraid to discuss potentially making a trade if the right offer comes across Magic’s desk.
For now, all we can do is speculate. One way or another, though, the Lakers need to make sure they do something that moves this team forward. They simply can’t continue to settle for mediocrity considering their status as one of the league’s most storied franchises.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few options they could have if they actually secure a Top-3 pick. No matter what route they follow, though, it’s very likely that things will start to get very interesting for Luke Walton and Co.
Trade The Pick For A Superstar
Based on the rumors, the Los Angeles Lakers were very active leading up to the 2017 NBA trade deadline. Although no blockbuster deals came to fruition, they apparently were in the mix for names such as Paul George and Jimmy Butler. So why couldn’t that still be the case?
Realistically, both of those teams could part with their superstars if the offer is right. Other big names could also become available this offseason depending on how a number of things play out.
Especially if free agency goes one way or another, one of the Lakers’ top targets could suddenly become available.
Los Angeles Lakers
If Los Angeles does have a top-three pick, you better believe they’ll have some potential trade partners. One of the sports’ two most promising young guards should be available, which should have several teams salivating at the opportunity to draft them.
Unfortunately for those teams, that value is going to jack up the asking price–which could work out very well for the Lakers.
I could see something coming to fruition like a team in the middle of the first round swapping picks and sending the Lakers a star for one of their big contracts.
It’s not ideal, but it may be an opportunity for a team like the Indiana Pacers to get something for George instead of letting him walk in 2018.
It seems like a crazy idea to pass on such promising college talent, but Magic may be convinced an experienced veteran can turn this team around quicker.
Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington
At this moment, the Lakers appear primed to land the No. 2 pick–unless the lottery has other plans. Under that assumption, I’m going to say they’ll get one of the aforementioned rising stars at point guard.
The first I’ll mention is Markelle Fultz, who is largely expected to go No. 1 overall this year. However, I must point out that the draft is still a couple of months away–a lot can change between now and then.
Especially with Washington failing to make the tournament, Fultz could get overshadowed by the next guy on this list.
That’s why it’s not crazy to imagine Fultz falling to the Lakers at No. 2. He’s a premier scorer at the point and possesses all of the physical traits that make up an elite talent at the next level.
The Huskies’ superstar guard is a tremendous athlete, plays with excellent quickness and agility and is constantly improving as a shooter. Based on what we’ve seen, the sky truly is the limit for Fultz.
When all is said and done, though, I believe Fultz will come off the board first. Again, with the assumption being the Lakers pick second, it seems like a situation where he isn’t available to bring his talents to Los Angeles. Then again, the following prospect seems like a solid consolation prize.
Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA
Almost every mock draft out there has Lonzo Ball going to the Lakers. It seems like a perfect fit for the UCLA star, who has blossomed into one of the game’s brightest prospects in the last few months. So it only makes sense for him to be the team’s top target in the top three.
Again, there is the small concern over the logjam it may create in the backcourt. The Lakers already have D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson and appear to like what they’ve seen from David Nwaba lately.
If Nick Young is re-signed this offseason, that only makes things even more complicated.
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And yet, passing on Ball (or Fultz) would be nuts. They’re easily the two best players in the 2017 draft class right now. The Bruin, though, seems like the guy to come in and help turn this Lakers franchise around.
Ball is a smart offensive player, rarely forcing shots and doing everything in his power to set his teammates up for success. The patience and vision he shows at the point are impeccable for a player of his age, which makes him all the more intriguing of a talent.
It’s been some time since Los Angeles had a true facilitating point guard of his caliber.
The only concern is he’s picking up steam as UCLA moves its way through the tournament. If the Bruins keep rolling and make a run at the title, Ball could eclipse Fultz as the top talent in the 2017 draft class.
If that happens, the Lakers may watch him go to the Boston Celtics first overall, forcing them to take the Washington product instead.
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So many possibilities and so much time until we find out how it all unfolds.