Lakers Trade Rumors: Teams with Multiple 1st-Round Draft Picks L.A. Must Target

One thing that was readily apparent by the Los Angeles Lakers' short postseason run was that they couldn't contend with the young, athletic Oklahoma City Thunder up front.

The fastest way for them to change that? Trade into the first round of this year's draft.

According to Fox Sports Ohio's Sam Amico, they're thinking about it:

 

Lakers "making real push" to get into 1st round of NBA Draft, says EC exec. Word is they like the Baylor guys: Perry Jones & Quincy Miller.

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) June 21, 2012  

Fortunately for L.A., there are a bunch of teams with multiple first-round picks who might be interested in parting ways with one of them. Here's a look at which selections the Lakers should target.


Houston Rockets—Pick Nos. 14 and 16



This is the one that makes the most sense for L.A. They won't have to throw the world at the Houston Rockets in order to come away with a low lottery pick, and they'll likely come away with someone who can provide the frontcourt help they truly need.

Chad Ford's most recent mock draft has Houston taking North Carolina's Tyler Zeller with the No. 14 selection. Zeller is widely regarded as the third-best center available, and despite the fact that he still could stand to add some bulk to his 7'0", 247-pound frame, he gives the Lakers a very mobile, very big presence in the post, as well as a player who doesn't require a ton of development before he's ready to make an impact at the next level.

He may not be the Baylor guy Amico claims the Lakers want, but he still gives them youth and athleticism up front.


Boston Celtics—Pick Nos. 21 and 22

It's widely expected that Quincy Miller—one of the Baylor stars the Lakers are reportedly interested in—will still be around when the Boston Celtics pick. If the Lakers want to snag him, here's...

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