With the 2017 NBA Draft just days away the Los Angeles Lakers will be looking to make some major additions to their roster. Owning both the second and 28th overall picks, they are in prime position to do so.
Despite that, however, they are looking for even more as ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reports that they are trying to acquire another first-round pick:
The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to acquire another first-round pick in this Thursday’s NBA draft, league sources told ESPN
The Lakers have engaged at least two other teams in the lottery, sources said, as they search for players to improve their outside shooting and perimeter defense.
The Lakers’ need for shooting and defense is no secret to anyone who saw them play last season. The Lakers were one of the worst defensive teams in the league last season and despite taking a high number of three-pointers, did not hit them at a high percentage.
Coincidentally the two players they are believed to be targeting with the second pick, Lonzo Ball and Josh Jackson, would help improve the team’s shooting and defense respectively. Each also has major concerns with the other however.
Depending on where this potential pick would land there could be a number of different targets. The Lakers are reportedly very interested in Luke Kennard, a sharpshooter out of Duke and Lauri Markkanen of Arizona would also be a possibility if they wanted to add another shooter.
Players like Indiana’s OG Anunoby, who the Lakers are also rumored to be interested in, as well as Gonzaga’s Zach Collins are more defensive-minded players.
Throw in all of the Paul George trade rumors and it’s possible that the Lakers could acquire this pick and then package it in order to land the Pacers star.
The closer the draft nears, the more possiblities seem to open up for the Lakers. They will undoubtedly be a team to watch in the coming days.
