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Los Angeles Lakers: Why the Lakers will ultimately trade their first round pick

By Jason Reed

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on December 13, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

The NBA has postponed the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery as well as the Draft Combine, and while the draft itself has not yet been postponed, it is more than likely that it will be pushed back, especially as the league tries to figure out if it could return to action.

If the season were to end the Los Angeles Lakers would have the 29th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and even if it resumes, the Lakers are going to have one of the last four picks in the first round, almost undoubtedly.

This year’s pick, as well as 2022’s pick, are the only two picks in the next five drafts that the Lakers have without either swapping or giving to the New Orleans Pelicans. Because of that, we might expect the Lakers to hold hit pick close to their chest.

However, I think it will be the opposite. I think when the 2020 NBA Draft rolls around, the Lakers will not be making a selection in the first round.

Here are the three reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers will trade their first-round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

1. That pick is an excellent addition in an offseason trade

The Los Angeles Lakers are not in the running to be one of the most changed teams in the offseason, but there likely is going to be some sort of moves to improve on the 2019-2020 season, even if the season does come back and they win the Title.

The biggest thing for the Lakers is re-signing Anthony Davis, which seemingly is bound to happen. Then, the team can start exploring trades to add complementary talent to what the team already has on the roster.

That is where the first-round pick comes into play. While it does not have massive value alone, packaging that pick alongside the potential of Kyle Kuzma could net the Lakers a nice return. If needed, the team could even package Danny Green in the trade for salary reasons to snag someone who could be a legitimate third star.

The trade market needs to develop and there will be players in the offseason that get moved that currently are not expected to get moved. Once that trade market develops, the front office will realize that they could get more out of the selection by including it in a trade.

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