1. The Los Angeles Lakers lack future draft capital
The amount of draft assets the Los Angeles Lakers surrendered to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Anthony Davis has largely been overstated by the national media, but it still is worth mentioning.
The Lakers trading away multiple pick swaps could wind up a huge deal considering they are all but restricted from getting into anything but the late first round. Multiple upcoming first-round picks are simply gone. In a draft that front offices are undoubtedly unamused about their late lottery picks, the Lakers could capitalize and turn their draft tide.
Teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics could be looking to move out of the late lottery without a doubt. The Spurs (12th overall) are always on the list of playoff contenders and the Celtics (14th overall) are cemented as one of the league’s great powerhouses. The Lakers should place a call or two to gauge interest.
The argument for going from a role player peak type of player to a guy with a legit shot at being an NBA starter is an easy one. The Lakers can also do it on the cheap instead of surrendering assets for a man like Victor Oladipo. The front office has also proven to be well above-average in terms of getting the most out of their draft selections (wherever they fall) and can thoroughly be trusted to make the right decision.
The 28th overall selection, a future second-round pick, and Kyle Kuzma should easily get the Lakers into the lottery this year — a year where a team likely needs to be in the lottery to make any legitimate noise.