Lakers Draft 2016: 5 Players Worth Trading No. 2 Pick For

Five players that the Lakers trading the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft would be worth it to receive

Essentially from the moment that the 2016 NBA Draft Lottery played out, the possibility of trading the No. 2 pick in the draft that the Los Angeles Lakers were awarded has been floated out there by numerous people. Undoubtedly the most intriguing of those sources, though, was when Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak brought up the notion.

More lakers: 2016 NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Set, Lakers at No. 2

With how valuable both Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram are considered to be as the two consensus top players in this draft, though, one thing’s for certain is that the Lakers aren’t going to give up the pick for just any offer. It’s going to have to be a game-changing trade to even be considered.

That of course begs the question of what players would make the Lakers start considering trading the pick—or rather what players around the league would be worth trading the rights to Simmons or Ingram. It’s an interesting notion to explore, especially when you look at a young team like the Lakers.

Not only would the Lakers have to be getting a player that would fill a position of need and not push a player like a D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, or Jordan Clarkson (assuming he stays) out of his role in the rotation, but also a player that the young players that would remain in Los Angeles could grow alongside.

Moreover, if the Lakers are going to trade the No. 2 pick, it’s going to have to be a player that will likely cost more than just a draft pick to pry away from their current team.

Given all of that, let’s take a look at five players that would be worth the Lakers trading the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Note: Obviously guys like Stephen Curry or Kawhi Leonard would be nice, but we’re looking at semi-realistic options here.

Next: No. 5 Blake Griffin