Lakers Best and Worst Case Scenario: NBA Draft Lottery 2016

March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) reacts against Oregon Ducks during the first half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) reacts against Oregon Ducks during the first half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
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March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) reacts against Oregon Ducks during the first half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
March 24, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Brandon Ingram (14) reacts against Oregon Ducks during the first half of the semifinal game in the West regional of the NCAA Tournament at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

The 2016 NBA draft lottery is just a day away and a lot hinges on the how the ping pong balls come out for the Los Angeles Lakers

To say that the NBA draft lottery is a big day for the Los Angeles Lakers is an extreme understatement. Aside from Kobe Bryant’s now legendary last game on April 13, the date that has been forever embedded in Lakers fans minds since the start of the season was May 17, 2016; the day that the ping pong balls would determine the fate of their franchise.

55.8 percent is far from a sure thing, but a weighted coin toss is far more preferable than a regular one. Something fans often fail to realize when evaluating the Lakers’ situation is the fact that the team has a 19.9 percent chance of landing the first overall pick, only 5.1 percent less than the bottom dwelling Philadelphia 76ers.

Among fans the dynamic couldn’t be anymore different: there are those who pessimistically assume the Lakers will lose the pick in order to avoid devastation if that actually ends up happening and then there are others who have already started discussing what the Purple and Gold will do with their pick once they get it.

Representing the voice of reason in this situation, without further adieu, here are the best and worst case scenarios for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Next: Best Case Scenario

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