Los Angeles Lakers: 5 options for pick No. 25 in 2018 NBA Draft

The Los Angeles Lakers were devoid of a first round draft pick heading into the season, but a midseason trade has netted them the No. 25 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Here are their five best options that could be available toward the end of the first round.

The Los Angeles Lakers, still haunted by the Steve Nash sign-and-trade of 2012, weren’t expecting a first round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. However, a trade before the deadline sent Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. to the Cleveland Cavaliers, while Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye and the Cavaliers’ pick came back to Los Angeles.

Now armed with the No. 25 overall pick, the Lakers are looking to strike gold in the latter part of the first round once again.

The Lakers have had recent success late in the first round, with Kyle Kuzma (No. 27) and Josh Hart (No. 30) being the latest examples. Also, Nance Jr. was the No. 24 pick in 2014, as was Derek Fisher in 1996.

The Lakers have picked at No. 25 only once in their entire 70-year existence, selecting David Rivers in 1988. The Notre Dame point guard played in only 47 games for the Lakers and 114 total games in the NBA.

Teams have found success with the No. 25 pick in recent history. Tony Allen in 2004, Nicolas Batum in 2008 and Clint Capela in 2014 have all exceeded expectations at their draft position.

The Lakers have eight players under contract heading into the offseason, but players like Thomas Bryant, Tyler Ennis and Ivica Zubac could still be let go. With a ton of roster space available and various needs, the Lakers could look in several directions heading into draft night.

Here are five options the Los Angeles Lakers could potentially have when they select with the No. 25 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.