The NBA Draft is finally here. And while there’s not a lot of intrigue about who the Lakers have in their sights with the #2 pick, there is plenty surrounding how they’ll use pick #32 and whether any other moves will occur. Our guy Caleb has profiled multiple prospects for that pick and there are yet still other candidates for that spot.
But this is just the start of the action.
Around the league moves are already being made. It started yesterday with a three team trade which saw Jeff Teague, George Hill, and the #12 pick play musical chairs between the Hawks, Pacers, and Jazz. Then came the Knicks’ acquisition of Derrick Rose from the Bulls for Robin Lopez and Jerrian Grant. Today the Pacers made another move, trading for Thad Young by sending the Nets the 20th pick in this draft.
There are also rumors of the Celtics continuing to try and leverage the #3 pick into a young veteran difference maker, the 76ers engaging teams with high picks to try and get a second top 5 pick to go with the #1 overall selection, and the Hornets looking to use their pick at #22 as sweetener in a salary dump trade so they can re-sign their own free agents.
In other words, the draft is already shaping up to have a lot more action than just the picks.
We’ll have more updates later, offering reactions to the Lakers’ picks and any other moves they might make. In the meantime, enjoy the lead up to and the actual draft.
I CALLED GAME says
LA NEEDS TO TAKE INGRAM
Busboys4me says
They will!!! They have to!!! Please!!!
Robbo says
Thats it Ingram or bust
Rob says
Unfinished business: 1) draft Brandon Ingram.; 2) draft best available athlete at #32; 3) say good-bye to Nick “Hey everybody, look at what silly thing I’m doing now” Young; 4) bring back Jabari Brown for instant offense off the bench.
Question: Why don”t 7-footers Ryan Kelley and Robert Sacre look at the Laker roster and decide that they are going to do everything in their power to get more explosive physically and improve their low post skills offensively and defensively and claim the center position? I have heard nothing about any summer conditioning or gym time for either of them. If they are content to be marginal players, they should be cut.
Busboys4me says
I agree on all points. Cut bait with the dead weight!
Busboys4me says
We are bereft in almost all areas so our needs are many. Demetrius Jackson, though diminutive, is a high motor high character guy. As stated before, he probably won’t fall all the way to us but he would be the perfect type player to push Russell.
We need athletic defensive minded players that’s why I would take a chance on Pascal Siakam with the 32nd pick even though he’s rated lower (43-48). High motor, older, great defender in space, rebounds and blocks shots. I like Ben Bentil because of his offensive prowess. He needs work on defense and rebounding but we need long shooters and he fits the bill. I’d buy into the second round to get him.
Rob says
Who do the Lakers draft if Philly crosses everyone up and takes Ingram? Simmons or Hield or Murray? Or would they then be willing to trade the pick?
R says
Yep stretching Young is s given and I love the idea of finding a hungry PG to push DAR. Cutting Kelly and Sacre? Sweet music to my ears!
Chibi says
May Ainge draft and stash 7 Europeans and The Chinese Guy.
bluehill says
#2 seems relatively uneventful. Interested in what happens with #32. Go Mitch!
John Citizen says
Mitch said there are 2 hours till the draft and we are still listening to trades. Did not say anything about Ingram, but the fact that he keeps saying that there isn’t any drop off between 2nd and the rest of the picks makes me feel that he gonna surprise the media and not take Ingram. Or he is really doing some poker moves that amuses him.
R says
I’m not so sure Ingrams all that.
He’s weak as a new born puppy ….
Gunslinger says
Very happy with Ingram. I also would love to find a way to get Sabonis
Fern says
Tonight’s the night. The Lakers are going to pick Ingram unless they try to be cute and stupid bit Mitch is not play his card on the media there will be no surprises today. I don’t really care who we pick at # 32
Fern says
If Philly draft Ingram then we draft Simmons, is a no-brainer…
Lil pau says
Ingram!!!!
Tim says
Brandon Ingram, welcome to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Fern says
WE GOT OUR GUY!! THE FIT!!! I dreamed and dreamed about getting Ingram for months. Finally is a reality!! Welcome Brandon Ingram our new Laker!!!! The
A Horse With No Name says
Damn, I nailed the 3rd pick!
matt says
#32 is coming up and there are good players left