2018 NBA Draft Rumors: Lakers Trade For 39th Pick From 76ers
Rob Pelinka, Lakers
Andrew D. Bernstein-NBAE via Getty Images

Up until this past February, the Los Angeles Lakers were facing a reality of not having a first-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. It was the final remnants of an ill-fated trade for Steve Nash, which along with acquiring Dwight Howard, was expected to propel the team to championship.

But Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka changed the franchise’s fortunes at this season’s trade deadline when they acquired the No. 25 overall pick in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

While the trade was heralded for the salary the Lakers managed to shed, Johnson and Pelinka were sure to highlight the acquired draft pick when publicly discussing the deal.

Now on the eve of the 2018 Draft, the Lakers have added another pick to their arsenal, by trading for the 39th overall selection from the Philadelphia 76ers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:

As it stands, Los Angeles is armed with the 25th, 39th and 47th picks in Thursday’s draft. The lottery results in May netted the 76ers the 10th overall pick from the Lakers.

With another asset in the fold, the Lakers are in position to head down a multitude of routes. There have been rumblings the team is interested in trading up in the Draft, with Texas Tech guard Zhaire Smith among those they’re reportedly intrigued by.

Or, Johnson and Pelinka could use the draft pick in a trade package, perhaps for Kawhi Leonard, who reportedly wants out from San Antonio.

As part of our efforts to help you understand how we handle the personal information you share with us, and in preparation for the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we’ve updated our Privacy & Cookies Policy. The updated Privacy & Cookies Policy will take effect on May 22, 2018. By using our services on or after that date, you’ll be agreeing to our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy. We recommend that you read our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy in full.

You May Also Like

Lakers Nation News And Rumors Recap: L.A. Favoring Josh Jackson Over Lonzo Ball?

With less than two weeks to go to the NBA draft, rumors are swirling around the who the Lakers will select with the No. 2 pick…

NBA Rumors: Clippers Plan To Waive Michael Beasley After Trade With Lakers

The NBA Trade Deadline has come and gone, and the Los Angeles Lakers completed a deal at the last minute. It wasn’t the trade for New Orleans Pelicans star…

Lakers Rumors: Agent Believes Russell Westbrook Will Be Easier To Move At Trade Deadline

With all the talks and rumors of deals, it seems like a foregone conclusion that Russell Westbrook’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers…

Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles ‘Unlikely’ To Add Additional Players?

The Los Angeles Lakers have seemingly played their best basketball after standing…