Rumor: Lakers will trade pick even if they get #1 overall

[Eddie20]

Herd w/Colin Cowherd
‏@TheHerd
"I've been told by 2 separate sources -- even if the Lakers get the No. 1 pick, they're trading it." - @ColinCowherd

[Granath]

As always, the question will be "for who?" since trades take two willing sides.

[Tr1boy]

Celts and Lakers 1st big trade in history??

[SHAQATTACK]

If Cavs loose in the finals.. .....Love would leave for La

[Clench123]

Celts and Lakers 1st big trade in history??

We don't have what they want

[TheSundanceKid]

If Cavs loose in the finals.. .....Love would leave for La

Love goes to LA, Simmons to Cleveland, we draft Ingram. Durant signs with Boston. Westbrook goes to LA in 2017. The 2 NBA superpowers re-emerge and meet in the 2018 NBA finals, Boston in 6!!

[saltlover]

That would be a silly decision by the Lakers.  That team isn't two players away (the star they get for the pick and the star they hope they get in free agency).  Take Simmons -- maybe the team performs better.  Then enter next season with about $80 million in cap room.  If they get lucky they'll be in the top 3 again (protecting it from Philly) and can trade it for a star next draft.  And maybe a new CBA will create more ability for them to spend like crazy.

But trading the #1 this year would be foolish.  It's not going to get them Durant, and without that, what's the point?

[Atzar]

Hey, go for it.  If they trade the pick for a star, that likely removes one of the Nets' major rivals in the 2017 Tankapalooza.

[BornReady]

I kind of a agree with this view point somewhat
as if they were able to trade the no 1 pick for a superstar without losing russell or randle than they would do it
as it would improve the team and increase the attraction of other free agents

this is needed to improve them as i think if they are in the top 5 this year then philly gets their pick regardless next year

so by rapidly improving themselves, the pick's value would be lower

but it is highly unlikely that a star becomes available

[moiso]

The Kings might be interested depending on what Divac thinks of Simmons.

[Moranis]

So hypothetically, they trade the 1 to the Kings for Cousins and then package Russell and Randle for Westbrook and then sign Durant in free agency.  Fill in the rest of the roster with role players and veterans.

[Vermont Green]

There is a very real chance this pick ends up conveying to Philly (a 44.2% chance to be specific).  It is only top 3 protected.  How bad will the Lakers look if that happens.  It is presumptuous for them to be talking about whether or not they would trade the pick.

Even if the Celtics get the #1 pick, you will always be open to trading it but that is different than looking to trade it.  I am sure the Lakers or any team would consider trades, maybe even prefer to trade for an established player but those kinds of deals are hard to craft.

I suspect the Cavs regret trading Wiggins in the Love deal but I guess if the Lakers get someone of Love's caliber or better, it could turn out to be a good deal for them.

[apc]

If they trade for a star, that will really hurt our chances with KD.
Man i hope they lose that pick.

[TheSundanceKid]

That would be a silly decision by the Lakers.  That team isn't two players away (the star they get for the pick and the star they hope they get in free agency).  Take Simmons -- maybe the team performs better.  Then enter next season with about $80 million in cap room.  If they get lucky they'll be in the top 3 again (protecting it from Philly) and can trade it for a star next draft.  And maybe a new CBA will create more ability for them to spend like crazy.

But trading the #1 this year would be foolish.  It's not going to get them Durant, and without that, what's the point?

It would be but it would hardly be surprising. The rumour is that Jim Buss has til next summer to make the team competitive. I question whether he is thinking long term when that is on his agenda

[Tr1boy]

False rumor if you ask me. Lakers are not trading Ingram nor Simmons. Especially simmons