Los Angeles Lakers: 3 latest rumors on trade talks, draft plans
De'Aaron Fox
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
With a few weeks to go before the 2017 NBA Draft, the rumor mill is busy churning out all sorts of information on what the Los Angeles Lakers could do in the coming months.
We're not even into June yet, and it's already been a busy offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers. Between their win during the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery and all the Paul George talk, fans are getting excited about what Magic Johnson can do with his newfound power.
So what are the latest rumors saying about the Lakers' offseason plans? There's plenty of chatter out there regarding the team's direction during the draft. You can also find some insight into Magic's thoughts on a potential trade if you look hard enough. Either way, there's no shortage of Lakers rumors as we inch closer to the end of May.
Unfortunately, rumors are only that — rumors. You can never truly believe what you read until it actually happens. However, there are many instances where rumors are an indicator of things to come. Will that prove to be true with the Lakers this offseason, or is this all hogwash to throw us off the scent of what this front office is actually planning?
No matter what happens, we won't know until that time comes. Hence, we speculate.
So here they are — the latest Lakers rumors you need to know about. The emphasis certainly lies on the various trade scenarios that have been tossed around. Also expect some word on what the team's approach could be during the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft.
Brandon Ingram is Lakers' only untouchable
We all assumed when Magic took the reins, some big changes would follow. Now it appears, more than ever, that the Lakers are willing to wheel and deal in order to give this franchise a brighter future. Johnson's recent comments back up that assertion.
During a radio interview on ESPN Los Angeles, Magic made it clear that all but one of the Lakers' current players can be had via trade:
"I would say probably the only player that we would say, hey, we would probably not move is Brandon Ingram."
Now before we all go crazy, we hear these types of statements all the time from NBA shot-callers. Just because players are technically available doesn't necessarily mean a trade is just around the corner. Considering the Lakers' current situation, though, it is understandably noteworthy — especially with the recent speculation regarding D'Angelo Russell's future.
More generally, this means Magic is willing to shake things up this offseason if it means putting this team in a better position to do two things: 1) Win and 2) Lure in top-tier free agents. It's all about positive progress, which was relatively nonexistent under the previous regime.
It's also worth noting that Ingram was named as the only untouchable for Los Angeles. While I wouldn't call him the Lakers' best player right now, he's obviously oozing with potential. Another year or two of development could see him emerge as one of the NBA's best young wings.
Will Russell be dealt to make way for an incoming point guard? Can the Lakers find a way to unload the contracts of Timofey Mozgov and/or Luol Deng? No one knows for sure, but anything is possible (apart from an Ingram trade) at this point in the offseason.
De'Aaron Fox
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
De'Aaron Fox a legitimate option at No. 2
Since the Lakers were gifted the No. 2 overall pick via the draft lottery, it was assumed the pick would be spent on Lonzo Ball. However, as we inch our way closer to draft day, it's starting to appear that Los Angeles' selection isn't so clear cut.
Apparently, De'Aaron Fox has entered the mix as a consideration for the second pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. The Lakers are set to work out the Kentucky point guard, according to the L.A. Daily News' Mark Medina:
Now some folks may wonder why the Lakers would consider straying away from Ball. In most opinions, he's easily one of the top two talents in the 2017 draft class, with some even putting him ahead of Washington's Markelle Fultz. However, as we should all know by now, he comes with his fair share of issues.
As I previously pointed out, Ball isn't a perfect prospect. He isn't a great defender (just ask Fox), he struggles with physicality and he has a headache for a father. The Lakers could easily opt for Fox, who offers more athleticism and no parental problems. Although his shooting isn't as appealing as Ball's, the lack of off-court concerns definitely has to be weighing on Johnson and co.
A lot can change between now and June 22. At this moment, though, it appears Fox is giving the Lakers something to seriously ponder with the No. 2 pick.
Los Angeles Lakers
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Trade for Paul George seems unlikely
There were already endless conversations about Paul George to the Lakers coming into the offseason. Then, the draft lottery happened and the volume turned up a couple of notches. By retaining their 2017 first round pick, the Lakers essentially became a more intriguing landing spot.
Some discussions even revolved around the idea of Los Angeles sending the pick to the Indiana Pacers as part of a deal for George. However, based on some recent comments from The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers don't feel that plan of attack is necessary at this point.
"For the Lakers, they are pretty confident, they have a great deal of belief, they're in position to get Paul George in 2018 whether he stays in Indiana or is traded elsewhere."
That means Magic doesn't feel he needs to make a trade for George now. Instead, he can stay patient and wait to sign George next offseason, avoiding the parting of ways with any other assets in the process. It's obviously the more desirable move for Los Angeles, and will give this young core more time to mesh before making a real run in 2018-19.
Some may see it as a risky approach — George could get traded and fall in love with his hypothetical new team. That could facilitate a re-signing, leaving the Lakers without a clear-cut target during 2018 free agency. Still, if it's coming from Woj, chances are the team truly is confident they have the luxury of waiting.
So despite all of the speculation, it appears the No. 2 pick is staying in the Lakers' hands for right now. That could change in the next few weeks, but it won't leave as a way of bringing George to Los Angeles. By what we can tell, he'll be coming home next offseason.
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