Lakers Rumors: If the team trades back in the draft, who will they pick?

If the Los Angeles Lakers decide to move back in the 2019 NBA Draft, there are some Lakers rumors about who could be targeted.

There have been plenty of Los Angeles Lakers rumors recently, but wow! Does anybody hear that? It’s quiet. No drama. For like a week!

It seemed like I was promising fans in my comment section for weeks that I would be dealing with the draft. With Magic Johnson on his world tour on what happened behind the scenes with the dysfunction and ESPN acting as the corporate sponsor, I thought I would never get to mining the young talent and providing information for Lakers fans.

The Los Angeles Lakers presently own the No. 4 pick in the NBA Draft. Lake Show Life has taken a look at Darius Garland, who was the projected pick in ESPN’s mock draft during the lottery. Then it was rumored that a promise from one of two possible teams (Lakers being one) at the NBA Draft combine was the reason he left early. His comparison to former Lakers player Nick Van Exel makes him an intriguing pick.

Then the Knicks reportedly started having a fascination with Jarrett Culver, which could bring in one of Zion Williamson‘s teammates to the Lakers in the first shocker of draft night. Lake Show Life decided to have a 2 for 1 sale combining R.J. Barrett and Cam Reddish, who the Lakers were rumored to be looking at.

Then Jarrett Culver was in the Lakers facility for a workout over the weekend. His analysis and opinion on if the Lakers need him after a strong NCAA run to the finals was a stark comparison to the last player that could be drafted in the No. 4 spot.

De’Andre Hunter, the forward out of Virginia who faced Culver in the NCAA finals, rounded out the possibilities for the Lakers. The hero of the NCAA title game has replaced Darius Garland recently as the Lakers rumored selection in the mock drafts.

These options are laid out if the Los Angeles Lakers keep the high pick. But what happens if the Lakers want to trade down in the draft to obtain flexibility?

It’s not a crazy thought. It has been rumored that the Knicks could trade down to obtain more draft picks to make a run at Anthony Davis. It’s an option that the Lakers could do as well.

Experts say this a three player draft (yes, I know! I roll my eyes too.) with only Zion, Ja Morant and Barrett being the only can’t miss prospects in this draft. The rest is a crap shoot with no guarantees.

So let’s say the Lakers believe the hype and want to weigh their options. If they are not sold on any of the players listed above (R.J. Barrett not included) that the Lakers want to use their cap hold for, trading down in the draft is an option the Lakers may take.

A possible example for a team to deal with is the Atlanta Hawks. They right now have the 8th, 10th and 35th picks in the draft. The Lakers would like a second-round pick in the draft for salary cap reasons. As of this point, the Lakers are roughly $200,000 away from the maximum for signing a free agent. This is one of the reasons the Lakers brought in Darel Poirier for a workout even though he is considered a project.

Before everyone starts thinking that this could never happen, first think about who is running the draft (Rob Pelinka), then think about the free agents that the Lakers covet (and can realistically get!).

Jimmy Butler seems to be the guy floating around the Lakers rumors mill these days. The only issue is the Philadelphia 76ers is prepared to give him the max deal. If the Lakers are seriously chasing free agents, trading down is a real possibility for salary cap flexibility. Also trading down collects more draft picks to entice the Pelicans for Anthony Davis.

If all of this happens, the Lakers have to draft somebody. Who will they take?