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Los Angeles Lakers: Why LA should trade down in the 2021 NBA Draft

By Jason Reed

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: General manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers (L) talks with head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers (R) during the 2019 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: General manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers (L) talks with head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers (R) during the 2019 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers /

The Los Angeles Lakers have the 22nd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and it appears likely that they are going to use the selection this year. With the future draft picks being tied up with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Lakers have to take advantage when they can, especially after trading away the pick last year.

We have broken down potential lottery prospects that could fall to the Lakers at 22, which would be extremely intriguing for a team that is still going to be the favorites in the Western Conference next season.

While that might seem too good to pass up on, it might actually make more sense for the Lakers to trade down from the 22nd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, picking up multiple draft picks later in the process.

Trading down in the 2021 NBA Draft would benefit the Los Angeles Lakers.

Of course, there has to be a team willing to trade up and that happens if there is a certain prospect that another team really likes at 22 that the Lakers can capitalize on. The Lakers also need to trade with a team that has multiple later picks, because it makes no sense to trade for future picks.

The best possible candidates include:

  • Oklahoma City Thunder (34th and 36th overall pick)
  • New Orleans Pelicans (35th and 40th overall pick)
  • Detroit Pistons (37th and 42nd overall pick)

Second-round picks are rarely even rotation players in the league, so this might seem like an absurd move to make. Let’s break down why it might be the best course of action.

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