May 22, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts to a play against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter in game four of the Western Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
With draft night looming, NBA Draft rumors are flying — Paul George might be available, the Lakers may trade their pick and Damian Lillard isn’t budging.
NBA draft rumors: Lakers are looking to move No. 17
According to Jovan Buha, the Lakers are looking to move the No. 17 overall pick before the start of the NBA Draft. They are looking to trade for veteran players who can help them win now. The perfect scenario would be finding a trade that nets the Lakers a starting-level point guard but this is unlikely due to the fact that their not a lot of point guards on veteran-led teams are looking to rebuild.
The perfect scenario for the Lakers would be a player like Alex Caruso, a two-way guard who could fit perfectly with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
It might not total sense to make a trade like this due to the fact that the Lakers only have two big expiring contracts. Malik Beasley and Mo Bamba (who needs his contract guaranteed but still has a June 28 guaranteed date). The main thing that this team was missing is a starting point guard who can be playable in the playoffs.
Previously it was reported that the Lakers were looking to move the 17th for more picks down the line. This might be the best idea for the team if they can find a partner. It would give the Lakers more flexibility when it comes to trade. This would be really beneficial for a team that cannot trade their 2024 or 2025 first-round pick due to the protections on the Anthony Davis trade.