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NBA Draft Rumors: Lakers looking to land another first-round pick

By Akash Anavarathan

Feb 24, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson watches action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson watches action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the NBA Draft coming up on Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly trying to acquire another first-round pick to use on a college prospect.

Although the NBA season is over, the offseason is underway and in full swing. With the draft coming up on Thursday night, teams are trying to acquire as much capital as possible, so they can add the best talent.

The Los Angeles Lakers currently have the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft, along with the the No. 28 overall pick. According to ESPN, it looks like the Lakers are trying to acquire another first-round pick  Magic Johnson and the Lakers have reportedly reached out to two teams in the lottery because they are looking to improve their perimeter defense and outside shooting, per ESPN. 

This will be an important draft for the Lakers, who are heading into the first season under Magic Johnson and second season with Luke Walton. With a bevy of young talent and a few more top prospects, the pressure is on the Lakers to start to turn this franchise back into a winner.

With the No. 2 overall pick, the name that’s been heavily linked is UCLA’s Lonzo Ball, who’s had a few workouts with Los Angeles. Other options for the Lakers are Kansas’ Josh Jackson and also Kentucky’s De’Aaron Fox.

The Lakers also reportedly have interest in trading for Paul George, who has voiced his wish to join the LA in 2018 via free agency. Will the Lakers have to give up draft arsenal to acquire the Pacers’ forward? A lot of these questions remain to be answered before the start of the NBA Draft on Thursday night.

Next: NBA Free Agency 2017: 20 best players available

Regardless, a rebuilding franchise like the Lakers is trying to acquire as much arsenal as possible before heading into the draft. The more darts you have, the better chance of hitting the bulls-eye.

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