Lakers reportedly looking to trade 1st-round pick in NBA Draft.

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently projected to have the 17th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, due to the New Orleans Pelicans deferring their first-round selection from Los Angeles.

This position puts the Lakers in an interesting spot, especially given their win-now mentality with LeBron James likely returning for at least another season. The franchise is aiming to find immediate contributors to support their championship aspirations.

Trade Options for the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft

1. Cole Anthony Trade
Target Player: Cole Anthony (Orlando Magic)
Trade Proposal: Lakers trade the 17th pick, Gabe Vincent, 47th pick, and a future second-round pick to Orlando for Cole Anthony.
Rationale: Anthony, a young and developing guard, could provide stability at the point guard position, potentially replacing D’Angelo Russell. Anthony averaged 11.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists last season, and his cap hit of $12.9 million in 2024-25 is manageable. This trade would also help the Lakers move Gabe Vincent’s contract while acquiring a capable guard who can contribute immediately.

2. Dejounte Murray Blockbuster
Target Player: Dejounte Murray (Atlanta Hawks)
Trade Proposal: Lakers trade the 17th pick, Austin Reaves, and additional draft capital to Atlanta for Dejounte Murray, with salary fillers included to balance the contracts.
Rationale: Murray, averaging 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists last season, would be a significant upgrade in the backcourt. His defensive prowess and versatility make him an excellent fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The trade would require the Lakers to part with Austin Reaves and more draft assets but would secure a high-caliber player who can elevate the team’s performance.

3. Accumulating Draft Capital
Strategy: Trade the 17th pick for multiple later picks or future picks to increase flexibility for a larger trade.
Potential Partner: New York Knicks (holding 24th and 25th picks)
Trade Proposal: Lakers trade the 17th pick to the Knicks for the 24th and 25th picks.
Rationale: By acquiring additional picks, the Lakers can stockpile assets that could be pivotal in executing a blockbuster trade during the summer. This approach allows the Lakers to maintain flexibility and potentially package the acquired picks in a deal for a more impactful player later on.

Conclusion

The Lakers have several intriguing options heading into the 2024 NBA Draft. Whether they opt to trade for immediate help like Cole Anthony or Dejounte Murray, or accumulate assets for a larger future move, the overarching goal remains clear: to maximize their chances of winning another championship while LeBron James is still playing at a high level.

The decision will ultimately depend on how the front office evaluates the potential trade returns and their fit within the team’s current structure.