According to former ESPN columnist, Grantland and creator of The Ringer, Bill Simmons has reported that the Lakers will try to package their anticipated top-three pick in the 2016 NBA Draft for Pacers star forward Paul George.
https://twitter.com/MySportsLegion/status/727902044523249664
Don’t get me wrong this rumor is very juicy and very Lakers as the historically great franchise believes it is above the traditional rebuild most franchises must endure in their position. Instead they remain convinced they will land their next superstar this summer, but there is so much up in the air about this report.
First and foremost there is no guarantee that the Lakers will keep their lottery pick. They have the 2nd highest lottery odds but if they don’t land a top three pick in this year’s draft their pick will go to the Philadelphia 76ers as a result of the three-team trade of the 2015 trade deadline.
Even if the Lakers do keep their pick, which is likely, if it lands at no. 3 the value of the selection would diminish dramatically as there are two anticipated potential superstars in this year’s draft in Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram.
Let’s say for argument sake that the Lakers do receive a top two pick in the draft, the chances of them convincing the Pacers to trade their 26-year-old superstar and one of the 10 best players in the NBA entering his prime and under contract for two more seasons is ludicrous. The Pacers were extremely close to making the 2nd round of the postseason this year and may have a very talented, future all-star caliber player in Myles Turner to pair with George and a roster that will be re-tooled.
Trading a top-two pick and a Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle for instance will not appeal to the Pacers or Paul George. The Lakers have DeAngelo Russell and little else to offer.
This is fun to consider, especially if you are a Lakers fan employing some wishful thinking, but there is zero chance this trade would happen in my opinion.
Now DeMar DeRozan coming back home and signing a max contract with the Lakers on the other hand…
