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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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(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. The Los Angeles Lakers have young talent already on the roster to turn to first

The Los Angeles Lakers absolutely could use some depth in the 2020 NBA Draft if they find someone who is a good fit for the team. However, it would be strange to see the Lakers look past the young talent that they already have on the roster for someone in the draft.

Last year’s second-round pick, Talen Horton-Tucker, has a total of five minutes played at the NBA level. He has been performing pretty well in the NBA G League and could absolutely be a depth player for the backcourt next season.

They also have the likes of Devontae Cacok and Kostas Antetokounmpo to turn to. Granted, these are not the most exciting players in the world, but Alex Caruso was once in the same position that these guys are currently in and now he is a legitimate contributor.

Unless someone just falls in the 2020 NBA Draft, which is possible, the Lakers can get the same output from the youth already on the roster that they would from a first-round pick. That first-round pick likely is not going to play much in his first season anyway, so why not just use that minimal role to the players the team already has?

The Lakers get more value out of including the trade in a pick rather than drafted a work-in-progress prospect that can bring the team what Horton-Tucker, Cacok or Antetokounmpo can bring.

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