In the days leading up to the deadline, the Lakers reportedly had interest in the likes of Goran Dragic, Ty Lawson and Miles Plumlee. Well, Dragic is now a member of the Miami Heat, while Lawson remains with the Denver Nuggets, and Plumlee is with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The fact that none of these players found their way to Los Angeles was a bit upsetting to many Lakers fans; however, the team's inability to get a deal done will be a blessing in the long run. Let's take Miami's deal for Dragic into consideration.
According to Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel, the Heat gave up a 2017 first-round pick, a 2021 first-round pick and four players for the guard—quite a hefty price. This is a risky move for Miami, as Dragic will need to propel a struggling team into serious contention to warrant giving up two future first-rounders who could ultimately turn into lottery picks.
Speaking of lottery picks, the Lakers still have their own 2015 first-rounder intact following the trade deadline. Due to poor play this season, Los Angeles is likely to keep that pick (top-five protected), which it would otherwise convey to the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers also have this year's first-round selection of the Houston Rockets—a pick that should fall in the 20s.
Should Los Angeles continue to falter, there's still a possibility the team winds up with the draft's No. 1 overall selection—and presumably Duke center Jahlil Okafor.
Now, consider this—Dragic will be a free agent this summer, and there's still a chance the Lakers can acquire him via free agency as well. All of a sudden, Los Angeles would have a young, talented player to build its frontcourt around and a vastly improved veteran guard to solidify the backcourt.
