Citing sources, Fox Sports' Colin Cowherd (via Drew Garrison of SB Nation's Silver Screen and Roll) reported Tuesday the Lakers will attempt to trade the top selection in this year's draft as a way to land an established star.
"I've now been told by two separate sources, even if the Lakers get the No. 1 pick, they're trading it," Cowherd said on The Herd. "They don't want to rebuild anymore. They want to get a star NBA player. They will call teams if they get the No. 1 pick and shop it around the league."
Cowherd's complete remarks can be viewed below, courtesy of his show's official Twitter account:
Before diving into the tantalizing trade possibilities that could emerge if the Lakers snag the No. 1 overall pick, it should be noted there's a not-so-insignificant chance L.A. won't retain its pick.
According to Tankathon.com, the Lakers have a 55.8 percent chance of picking in the top three and retaining the pick after finishing the regular season with the NBA's second-worst record (17-65).
However, that means there's a 44.2 percent chance the selection falls outside of picks Nos. 1-3 and is sent to the Philadelphia 76ers—who acquired the rights to the top-three protected selection in a 2015 trade deadline blockbuster with the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks.
On the flip side, there's a 19.9 percent chance the Lakers will own the top pick in the draft. If the odds shake out in its favor, then L.A. will have a delectable asset to dangle in front of prospective trade partners.
Because beyond the sheer fact that the pick could turn into the LSU Tigers' Ben Simmons or the Duke Blue Devils' Brandon In...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
