The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be exploring all options heading into the 2015 NBA Draft on June 25. Along with potentially trading the second overall pick for a proven veteran, the Lakers are also considering trading the 27th pick pick if the right opportunity presents itself.
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According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the Lakers are interested in trading the pick with two potential scenarios:
League sources say the Lakers are interested in trading this pick if only to avoid the guaranteed salary associated with it. There has also been talk of bundling this pick with other assets and moving up, so this selection is clearly in flux.
With the rumors circulating about Nick Young potentially being on the trading block, it isn’t beyond the realm of possibility that the Lakers attempt to package the veteran with the 27th pick to move up in the draft. Although Young’s name has been on the block ever since the season ended for the storied franchise, there’s been no talk of potential landing spots or players the Lakers may be targeting in return.
As of right now, the consensus seems to be the Lakers will draft either Karl-Anthony Towns (Kentucky) or Jahlil Okafor (Duke) with the second overall pick. The team’s intentions with the 27th and 34th picks, however, remain unclear.
If the Lakers do indeed draft a big with their lottery pick and don’t trade their late first-round pick, Los Angeles going after a wing player does seem to be a likely scenario. Kyler’s mock draft does have the Lakers taking Tyus Jones, Okafor’s former Duke teammate, with the 27th pick.
Plenty of other talented wings will likely be available once the Lakers are on the clock at number 27 and possibly even at 34, but trading up might be the team’s focus moving forward.
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