Los Angeles Lakers: Dream trade targets before 2018 deadline

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Atlanta Hawks’ 2018 first round pick

Let’s assume one thing in this hypothetical — the Atlanta Hawks end up with the worst record during the 2017-18 season. They currently own it at 3-15, but that could easily change. Still, that would give them the best odds of winning the top pick in the upcoming 2018 NBA Draft.

Now, could you imagine the damage the Lakers could do with that pick? They already boast a rather impressive young core of players, including Kuzma, Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram. Adding another top-tier prospect to that list could be the deciding factor, especially if they managed to sign a superstar or two during 2018 free agency.

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That’s why trading for the Hawks’ first round pick would be a dream could true. I’d currently put the real-world odds of that happening somewhere south of one percent, but that’s not the purpose of this exercise. Instead, it’s to imagine the possibilities if we weren’t limited by the laws of reality.

So let’s say the Lakers throw in Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., 2020 and 2022 first round picks, and maybe a couple of second-round picks. In return, they get Marco Belinelli and Malcolm Delaney (both expiring deals), as well as the 2018 first round pick. I would have thrown Julius Randle in as well, but the financials didn’t work without including a multi-year contract from the Hawks, which the Lakers obviously aren’t interested in.

Sure, Los Angeles loses two of its better young players and some serious draft assets. Still, they acquire a couple of quality shooters for this year and a shot at one of the 2018 class’ elite talents. Someone like Marvin Bagley III or Mohamed Bamba would be terrific.

I’m not sure if gutting the Lakers’ future picks is ideal, but adding an elite rookie could put this team over the top in 2018-19.

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