Report: Lakers explored option to trade down in the draft

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June 23, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka during the introduction of newly drafted player Lonzo Ball at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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The Los Angeles Lakers are working, ladies and gentlemen. With the 22nd pick in July 29th’s NBA Draft, they are leaving no stones unturned. They’ve hosted plenty of prospects to add to a roster in need of some youthful injection. Some of the standout names include Jaden Springer, Josh Christopher, and Trey Murphy III.

Outside of these talented prospects, the Lakers have stretched their eyes even further. There are guys like Eugene Omoruyi and Anthony Tarke that are not projected on draft boards, but the Lakers have had them complete workouts. They may have impressed them a lot, as ESPN’s Jonathan Givony has reported them looking to move into later draft positions:

With a big group of combo/scoring guards bunched together in the early 20s through early 30s, NBA executives say the Lakers have explored the option of moving down a few slots from the No. 22 pick while acquiring one or more second round picks. ESPN mock: https://t.co/VEdy8p5uV6

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) July 25, 2021

Guys like Chris Duarte and Trey Murphy III may not be available at the 22nd pick, which explains the Lakers’ rumors. It’s a great move if true, as they can prepare to pick up some late-round talent. The Lakers have drafted well in the second round as evidenced by Jordan Clarkson, Ivica Zubac, and Talen Horton-Tucker.

If they can strike again on one of the later guys, it’d work for them in two fashions. The first is getting a guy that could contribute instantly. The second round is where you will see low ceiling players with NBA-ready skills fall. Secondly, they could save a lot of money. The 22nd pick makes around $2.7 million compared to the rookie minimum for a second-rounder at $925,000 per Hoops Hype’s Yossi Gozlan.

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