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Lakers Rumors: Interest to trade into the end of the NBA Draft lottery

By Kenneth Teape

Mar 27, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans former player Magic Johnson during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners in the semifinals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans former player Magic Johnson during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners in the semifinals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors involve the team potentially moving into the back end of the 2017 NBA Draft lottery.

With the 2017 NBA Draft upon us, Los Angeles Lakers rumors have really picked up. The Lakers were part of the first big move impacting the draft back on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, the Lakers reportedly agreed to a deal with the Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers will be sending D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the Nets in exchange for Brook Lopez and the 27th overall pick. The deal is expected to become official tonight at the draft.

The Lakers now own three first round picks in the 2017 NBA Draft. In addition to the 27th pick acquired from the Nets, the Lakers will also be selecting second and 28th.

The second pick, most likely, will be UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball. It makes sense since the Lakers cleared a spot in the backcourt by trading Russell. As for the other two picks, it is anyone’s guess who the Lakers could be looking at. There is a chance they do not even make the selections.

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After the trade with the Nets was announced, the Lakers quickly turned their attention back to the Indiana Pacers and Paul George. The Lakers adjusted their trade offer to the Pacers, reportedly offering the 27th and 28th picks in addition to either Jordan Clarkson or Julius Randle.

Landing George would be an excellent move for the Lakers. But, that is not the only trade rumors surrounding the team. According to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express, the Lakers are one team to keep an eye on to trade into the back end of the lottery.

Givony says the Lakers, in addition to the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Houston Rockets, could look to move into the 10-14 range in the draft tonight.

If this is a route the Lakers take, there could be a few reasons as to why. Landing another pick in the lottery would help sweeten their deal to the Pacers for George. Landing another lottery pick would also add to their currently impressive stable of young players.

The Lakers have a lot of ammunition to pull off a trade. The extra pick from the Nets could come in handy as Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka look to be active in shaking up the roster.

The Lakers worked out a number of players in recent weeks in preparations for landing later in the lottery, whether it be trading back from No. 2 or moving back up. Dennis Smith and Zach Collins are two players the Lakers worked out that will most likely land in that range.

Next: Full First Round 2017 NBA Mock Draft

It sounds like the Lakers could be very active on draft night. They are still in on Paul George, and acquiring him tonight would make sense. But, the Lakers could also be looking to add more young players to the roster. Whatever their plans may be, NBA Draft night has the makings to be a busy one for the Lakers.

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