The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked heavily in NBA trade rumors to players like Trae Young and Donovan Mitchell this summer. While neither All-Star is likely to land in Los Angeles this summer, there is reportedly a chance of a trade during the 2024 NBA Draft.
Los Angeles made its first big move of the offseason, hiring JJ Redick as the new coach. Next on the team’s to-do list is navigating the 2024 NBA Draft, with a variety of options on the table for the club.
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- Los Angeles Lakers draft picks 2024: 17th overall, 55th overall pick
One of the biggest storylines related to the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft is whether or not they will draft Bronny James. Multiple NBA mock drafts from top insiders have projected LeBron James’ son will wind up in Los Angeles, but there’s been increased buzz he might go higher than the 55th overall pick.
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There have also been NBA Draft rumors regarding the Lakers’ interest in trading the 17th overall pick. The Lakers’ first-round selection is known to be available, with Los Angeles calling around the league and inquiring about potential trades for the likes of Dejounte Murray or Jerami Grant. However, there’s another possibility that seems to be under serious consideration in Los Angeles.
According to Dan Doike of the Los Angeles Times , the Lakers could be aggressive in Round 1 of the 2024 NBA Draft, potentially moving up from the 17th overall pick to grab one of two targets who are very high on their draft board.
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“Some rival executives believe the Lakers could be aggressive in moving up in the first round. Two players they like, Providence’s Devin Carter and Baylor’s Ja’Kobe Walter, are expected to be picked ahead of No. 17.”
Dan Woike on the Los Angeles Lakers plans in the NBA Draft
Devin Carter is a 6-foot-2 guard who starred for the Providence Friars this past season. While he was only 6-foot-2, Carter was one of the best rebounding guards (8.7 per game) in college basketball. Some analysts are very high on Carter, with The Ringer ranking him as the fifth-best prospect, with the guard drawing high marks for his positional versatility, finishing ability and his switchability as a defender.
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Walter, 6-foot-4, is coming off a productive freshman season with the Baylor Bears. While he shot just 37.6 percent from the field in his freshman season, including 32.4 percent in March, he does receive high marks for his on-ball defense and perimeter shooting.
Based on some of the latest NBA mock drafts, Los Angeles likely would need to move up in the 8-15 range to land one of their targets. Even if the Lakers did trade up to land either Carter or Walter, they could still keep the 55th overall pick or pay to acquire another second-round pick from another team to draft Bronny.
Los Angeles will also continue to shop trade packages including the 17th overall pick in the hopes of landing a third All-Star to pair with James and Anthony Davis for next season. The Lakers also reportedly have their eyes on NBA free agency for potential bench options.
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