Los Angeles Lakers: 3 more rumors a week before 2017 NBA Draft
Los Angeles Lakers
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
With less than a week to go before the 2017 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers rumors just keep on coming through the pipeline.
Since the moment the Los Angeles Lakers were announced as owners of the No. 2 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, we've been blasted by a whirlwind of rumors. They just keep coming like an unrelenting storm hoping to bury us in misdirection and speculation.
That's why we're here today, though. Let's work our way through this together, sifting through the latest Lakers draft rumors as the big day lingers less than a week away.
Up to this point, it's been mostly speculation on how Lonzo Ball fits into the equation for Los Angeles, maybe sprinkling in some thoughts on possible different directions the Lakers could go with the No. 2 pick. Besides that, though, the rumors have been pretty straightforward.
This week, they're starting to take on a different tone following some recent developments. Suddenly, Ball isn't a shoo-in to be a Laker. There's also word that Markelle Fultz isn't a lock to go first overall. Or maybe Magic Johnson could blow it all up and just trade the pick away, making all of these conversations irrelevant?
It's anyone's guess what will happen on June 22. For now, all we can do is read the rumors, digest them, and try to come up with a logical expectation for the Lakers' plans. So here are the latest draft rumors regarding Los Angeles, as promised.
Los Angeles Lakers
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Lakers seriously considering trade back from No. 2
Up to this point, it's generally been assumed the Lakers would keep their No. 2 overall pick. Based on the latest rumors, though, it appears Magic and co. would seriously consider dealing the selection for the right returns.
Here's this from the LA Times' Tania Ganguli:
"In the month since then, the Lakers have been taking and making calls about trading the pick, said a source who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject. Teams have presented trade scenarios to them, and they have offered their own."
It comes as a surprise considering the Lakers seemed fairly adamant about keeping the pick after mid-May's draft lottery. While there's obviously been speculation regarding a potential trade, there was never any real indication Los Angeles was interested — until now.
A number of scenarios have been tossed around in regards to a possible move. The Lakers could potentially move down to No. 4 (owned by the Phoenix Suns), thus targeting someone such as De'Aaron Fox of Jayson Tatum. A swap with the Sacramento Kings could also be in play (via ESPN's Chad Ford), as they own the No. 5 and No. 10 selections.
Either way, it's worth keeping in mind that the Lakers could trade down from/out of the No. 2 pick. Chances are they stand pat, but you never know what type of deal Magic could put together to give this franchise a brighter future.
Los Angeles Lakers
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Lonzo Ball considering talking to other teams
When you ask most folks about what the Lakers' plans for the No. 2 pick are, they jump straight to Ball. However, based on some recent reports, it's looking like the decision isn't as straightforward as you might assume.
There's been chatter about a lot of different options for the Lakers. As we saw with the previous point, Los Angeles may not even retain the pick come draft night. So it seems in Lonzo's best interests to see what else is out there, right?
Well apparently he agrees. Here's this from ESPN's Ramona Shelburne:
"After Friday's workout, Ball will consider talking to other lottery teams that have asked to speak with him, according to the source."
That's a 180-degree change in direction from Ball's stance earlier in the offseason. He (and his father LaVar Ball) made it clear early in the pre-draft process that he wasn't interested in working out for any other teams besides the Lakers. However, with all of the rumors flying around right now, it makes sense for him to at least give a couple of others teams an opportunity.
It seem as though Ball is learning we don't always get what we want. As much as him and his father tried to strong-arm the NBA into getting him drafted by the Lakers, reality is setting in. It's time for him to imagine a future that doesn't consist of a career in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Lakers
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Could Markelle Fultz actually fall to LA?
Pretty much since the moment the 2017 draft order was set, it's been assumed Fultz and Ball would be the first two off the board (in that order). However, as we get closer and closer to draft day, more and more speculation is arising that things could play out differently.
While all speculation of the sort should be taken with a grain of salt, it's nonetheless noteworthy. So when rumors crop up that Josh Jackson could go No. 1 overall, it's worth paying attention to. Especially if you're the Lakers, who have to be intrigued by the idea of being able to select Fultz at No. 2 overall.
According to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics may be considering Jackson with the top pick. If that were to happen, the Lakers would have their pick of Fultz and Ball. While some would argue the UCLA guard would still be the guy, I'm in the camp that believes the Washington guard is the better overall talent.
Woj also mentions the potential of the Lakers taking Jackson over Ball if the Celtics take Fultz. It's a fair statement, and one that makes sense on the surface considering Los Angeles' seemingly hesitant approach to Ball. However, it seems a bit limiting to add two top-tier wings in consecutive years, although Jackson is a very different player than Brandon Ingram.
No matter how you look at it, the first two picks don't appear as predictable as originally anticipated. If Jackson goes at No. 1, the Lakers will have to seriously consider drafting Fultz with the second pick — despite his laughable lack of enthusiasm for the club.
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