I don't think we've got what they're looking for.
Unfortunately, I tend to agree.
Like us, the Lakers want established all-stars that can bring their 'proud' franchise back to relevance.
If they can't get a player of that description, then I would imagine they would accept their Simmons/Ingram pick and move forward knowing they have a potential franchise player to build around.
I don't think they WANT to trade the #2 pick - I think they are just open to doing so if there is a chance to land an established star and fast-track their rebuild.
Same as us basically. I don't think Danny WANTS to trade the #3 pick - I'm sure there are probably a handful of guys available at #3 who he'd be extremely happy to bring on board and build around. I just think he wants to do everything he can to take this team to the next level as quickly as possible, and if there is a chance to bring in an established star in return for the #3 pick he wouldn't hesitate to do it.
If anything I actually think we have a better shot at getting the #1 from Philly then we do at getting the #2 from LA. Philly are desperate for a good PG right now, and while Simmons/Ingram are obviously amazing talents, taking one of Dunn / Hield / Murray may well help the Sixers more than Simmons/Ingram would. It's quite a long shot, but the Sixers may well decide to trade down to #3 if they are 100% sure they can get Dunn there (and pick up a few more assets in the process).
After all, the Sixers are far more than 'one piece away' from being a competitive team. They need help at pretty much every position except center, so they might get more benefit from having multiple picks rather than one really high pick.
Lets say:
1) The Sixers trade #1 to the Celtics for #3, #16 and Crowder
2) The Sixers trade Okfor to the Suns (who desperately need a big) for #4 and Knight
The Sixers would then move forward with #3, #4, #16, #24, #26 and Crowder. They could draft Dunn, Hield and any one of Sabonis/Ellenson (depending who falls where) and move forward with a lineup of Dunn, Hield, Crowder, Ellenson/Sabonis and Embiid (with Noel as insurance for Embiid).
In all honesty, that's probably a better option for them then moving on with say, Ingram/Simmons alone. With Dunn/Hield/Embiid they have three guys with all-star potential so they aren't putting all of their eggs in one basket...and that team has the talent to become a playoff team very quickly.
The Celtics could then draft Ingram at the SF spot to replace Crowder
or take Simmons and find a replacement SF elsewhere..we need a starting caliber PF so either option works.
The Suns would then move forward with Bledsoe, Booker and Okafor. Much as I dislike Okafor, this draft is horribly weak in the front-court. Okafor is has much higher upside then Bender, Poeltl or Ellenson, and while Labissiere's upside is huge he is also a massive risk and not a guy you'd reach at #4 to take. The Suns also have great shooters in Bledsoe and Booker, and a defensive big man in Chandler, so they are actually a very good fit for Okafor.
Of course I'm not insane enough to believe that this actually has a good chance of happening, but I think it makes more sense then getting #2 from the Lakers. We just don't have anything that the Lakers want.
I just think he's keeping open to options in case there is a chance to take an extablished star who can take the team to the next level.
Topic: Rumor: Lakers actively looking to trade the #2 - should the Celts make an offer? (Read 10006 times)