NBA Draft Rumors 2014: Los Angeles Lakers looking to trade up?
After losing center Dwight Howard to free agency and guards Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant to injuries, the Los Angeles Lakers knew it was going to be a long season.
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The Lakers probably were hoping for a top three or so pick in the draft but instead wound up with the seventh-overall pick, which may not be enough for them. According to Jabari Davis of Basketball Insiders, the Lakers could be looking to trade up.
"Hey Randy, thanks for your submission. Not sure they can, because while they have tons of roster flexibility and cap space, trade assets aren’t something they have much of. I could see them either trading down for multiple picks or even purchasing additional picks, but moving up isn’t as likely.The Lakers really only have Steve Nash and that 7th pick as realistic trade assets, so unless a team wants to take Nash on in order to buy him out and simply get his contract off the books I’m not sure. One thins is certain, although many seem to suddenly question/doubt their front office, they’ve always seemed to find a way to work out creative deals along the way. I’m certainly not recommending “blind faith” but I will say, I think fans of the Purple and Gold should probably sit back and let Kupchak work his magic."
The Lakers have plenty of players on their radar and on Wednesday, they held a huge workout for 12 draft prospects. Among those participating were former Arizona Wildcats’ power forward Aaron Gordon, former Indiana Hoosiers’ big man Noah Vonleh, former Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns point Elfrid Payton, former Oklahoma State Cowboys’ point guard Marcus Smart, former UCLA Bruins’ guard Zach LaVine, former Syracuse Orange point guard Tyler Ennis and former Kentucky Wildcats’ swingman James Young.