Los Angeles Lakers: 3 prospects that won’t be traded if picked at 22

The 2021 NBA Draft is right around the corner and after not having a selection in the 2020 NBA Draft the Los Angeles Lakers have the 22nd overall pick this year. Last year, the Lakers owned the 28th pick in the draft and traded it alongside Danny Green for Dennis Schroder.

That trade was initially reported on November 15, three days before the 2020 NBA Draft on November 18. Last offseason was shorter due to the delayed 2019-20 season so the Lakers were in a bit of a crunch, but we have already surpassed three days before the draft.

At the time of writing this, the 2021 NBA Draft is just one day away. This may signal the willingness of the Lakers to trade the pick. If they were really shopping the 22nd pick it might have already been traded as it would allow whatever team is acquiring the pick to pick who they want.

Instead, the Lakers could be taking a different approach. It would not be all that surprising if the Lakers are holding onto the selection to see who falls to them in the draft. If it is someone they like, they select him and keep the pick. If not, they trade the pick.

There are three draft prospects that the Los Angeles Lakers likely wouldn’t trade if selected.

Any of these three prospects could fall to the Lakers at 22 and are right in the Lakers’ range in the first round. If you see any of these names called for the Lakers on Thursday night then you can safely predict that they won’t be dealt at any point this offseason.