The 2012 NBA Draft is right around the corner with plenty of trade rumors starting to circulate and a number of big-name players potentially on the trading block on June 28. As of right now, Dwight Howard appears to be the one superstar that may be dealt on the day of the draft with the Houston Rockets securing three first-round picks in an attempt acquire him from the Orlando Magic. This deal remains a possibility for the Rockets, but it is uncertain whether or not the Magic will be interested in the trade proposal on draft day.
The Los Angeles Lakers, on the other hand, may not have a pick in the first round of the draft, but that may very well change with the team considering trading Metta World Peace for a late first-round pick according to Sam Amico of FoxSportsOhio.com:
“The Lakers are exploring all kinds of potential deals, having floated every name on the roster this side of Kobe Bryant. They are said to be open to trading Metta World Peace for a late first-rounder, with their eyes on Baylor forward Quincy Miller and Kentucky point guard Marquis Teague.”
Ever since the Lakers were knocked out of the NBA playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the trade rumors have run rampant in Los Angeles with plenty of scenarios surfacing as potential moves that could be made by the storied NBA franchise.
This most recent trade rumor involving World Peace is the first time the controversial forward’s name has been mentioned in these rumors. With the Lakers attempting to save money and get younger in the process, trading World Peace might be a step in the right direction.
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As mentioned by Amico, potential draft prospects that the Lakers might target with a late first-round pick are Kentucky’s Marquis Teague and Quincy Miller of Baylor. Miller isn’t the only player from Baylor that the Lakers are interested in as they’re also potentially targeting is forward Pery Jones III.
It remains to be seen whether or not the Lakers make a move before the 2012 NBA Draft in order to bring in some younger talent, but it appears that a trade may very well be in the works with Los Angeles attempting to bring in some new blood.
