NBA Draft Lottery 2016: Winners and Losers

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown (right) poses with NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum after the 76ers receive the first pick in the 2016 NBA draft during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Cupchak represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: Los Angeles Lakers

When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Steve Nash long ago, they sent a protected pick to the Phoenix Suns that is now with the Philadelphia 76ers. That pick has yet to transfer over and the Lakers have been the beneficiary of it.

Last year, the Lakers held the No. 2 pick in the draft and were able to take D’Angelo Russell to pair with Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson. With a good solid trio of young talent already on the roster, the Lakers are about to cash in again with the No. 2 pick.

If the 76ers take Ben Simmons, that likely means Brandon Ingram will be right there for the Lakers to take. All of a sudden, the Lakers have one of the most impressive young cores in the league with Clarkson, Randle, Russell and Ingram.

While the Lakers are normally a team that has won their championships through acquiring the best players in the league or signing the top free agents, they now can work toward winning with their own talent and they should be excited about the potential that will be there.

Also because they are the Lakers, players will want to come play with the talent on their roster if things pan out. The future is looking very bright in Los Angeles.

Next: Loser: New Orleans Pelicans

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