The Los Angeles Lakers started their offseason with a bang after landing the No. 4 pick at the NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday. Going into the lottery, they were expected to pick 11th overall.
Following the lottery, Pelinka held an over-the-phone press conference with reporters, where he talked about the team’s plans for the pick. While he didn’t say anything specific, he said that the Lakers will explore every avenue with their new asset, including the possibility of trading it (h/t Mike Trudell of Lakers.com):
We had scouting meetings with (Director of Scouting and Assistant GM) Jesse Buss and our scouts, and of course our focus was more around 11, because that’s where the huge probability was resting. But now it shifts, what we can get at four. I will tell you there are some incredibly talented, impact players there that we’re going to study deeply. And then of course we’ll canvas the league and see what value that pick has. But either of those options is an extraordinary win for the franchise … I already talked to Jeanie Buss and she is just thrilled. I think it should really be exciting for our fans. It’s an unexpected event for the Lakers and we’re certainly really blessed.
Of course, the expectation is that the Lakers will re-engage in trade talks for New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis this summer with the No. 4 pick as the centerpiece for any trade package. However, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them make and keep the selection they make on draft night.
Ultimately, it depends on what happens in free agency. If the Lakers strike out in free agency, it might be in their best interest to see what they have in their young core. However, if they are able to lure one of the league’s marquee free agents, they could shift their attention to building a big three with James, Davis and an All-Star free agent.
Suffice to say, things are about to get interesting in Tinsel Town.
