Lakers Draft News: L.A. trying to get additional first-round pick
The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to acquire an additional first-round pick ahead of Thursday's NBA Draft, according to several reports. The Lakers already own the No. 2 overall pick and the No. 28 pick (via Houston Rockets) in a draft class that's being widely touted as the best since 2003.
According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, the new Lakers front office, led by Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka, has engaged several teams in efforts to improve the team's perimeter defence and shooting. "The Lakers have engaged at least two teams in the lottery, sources said, as they search for players to improve their outside shooting and perimeter defence," Shelburne wrote in her report published Sunday.
The Lakers are expected to draft either UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball or Kentucky wing Josh Jackson with the No. 2 overall pick. At No. 28, the Lakers are expected to target either a stretch-4 power forward or sharpshooting wing. The likes of D.J. Wilson, Jordan Bell and Isaiah Hartenstein are intriguing options.
2017 NBA Draft: Lakers look to improve perimeter defence, shooting
Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers are engaging several teams on a potential Paul George trade and "intend to move fast" on a deal, according to a new report. George, a native of Southern California, has been linked strongly to the Purple & Gold, and is widely expected to sign with the Lakers during the 2018 free agency. However, there is possibility that the Lakers acquire George via trade ahead of the 2017-18 season.
A report on ESPN noted that the Lakers are unwilling to part with their young assets for a potential Paul George trade this offseason. The Lakers boast of several valuable assets such as Brandon Ingram, D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Ivica Zubac, Jordan Clarkson and the No. 2 overall pick. "Although George would constitute a significant acquisition for Los Angeles, the rebuilding Lakers do not currently intend to part with any of their young assets in a trade with the Pacers, sources told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne."
If the Los Angeles Lakers hold onto their No. 2 pick, all signs point to them drafting either Josh Jackson or Lonzo Ball. The 2017 NBA draft will be held on June 22, 2017, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Stay tuned for latest Lakers draft news and other reports surrounding the 2017 NBA Draft.
