5 Trades The Lakers Should Consider Before Draft Day
By Jacob Rude
3. Suns trade #14 and #18 picks for #7 pick
The Suns are loaded with assets, namely their four first round draft picks. They’ve admitted they would rather not hold on to the picks, and the Lakers could be more than happy to oblige.
With this trade, the Lakers move down and grab another pick, which they can use to load up on prospects. They’ve brought in players like PJ Hairston, Doug McDermott, and Elfrid Payton, all who are more in the 14-20 range or later (save for McBuckets) and are less likely to be available at the #7 pick. Part of it is due diligence, but they could have a plan in their back pocket.
While drafting Julius Randle sounds attractive, drafting Payton and Adreian Payne is pretty attractive in it’s own right. This move, however, would signify the Lakers are rebuilding, not reloading. Having one rookie in the lineup would be hard to overcome to win now. Having two would certainly not be a win-now move.
Attractiveness – 7/10
Likelihood – 6/10