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Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Lakers’ Improvement Not Only Key For Franchise’s Trajectory, But In Denying Boston Celtics Draft Pick
Lakers News

Lakers’ Improvement Not Only Key For Franchise’s Trajectory, But In Denying Boston Celtics Draft Pick

Matthew Moreno
Published: 03/03/2018
3 Min Read
Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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While 20 games remain on the schedule, the 2017-18 NBA season can be deemed a success for the Los Angeles Lakers. The team has already surpassed last season’s win total, but more importantly, the young core has made considerable strides with their improvement.

Other than a nine-game losing streak, which in some part was due to injuries piling up, the Lakers have avoided the same pitfalls that plagued them last season. They’ve transformed from the worst defensive team in the league to a top-15 unit this season.

While those are all positive developments for the direction and trajectory of the franchise, the Lakers’ success is also increasing the likelihood of the Boston Celtics failing to cash in on their longtime rival’s futility.

When the Celtics decided to hit the reset button several years ago, president of basketball operations Danny Ainge began to acquire and hoard draft picks.

When the Celtics traded the Brooklyn Nets’ 2017 first-round pick, which was the No. 1 overall selection, they received the No. 3 overall pick from the Philadelphia 76ers as well as a conditional pick that would be delivered by the Lakers.

But that’s only the case if the Lakers’ pick falls between Nos. 2-5 in the 2018 Draft. That appeared to be a mere lock last December, when the Lakers were dead last in Western Conference and had the second-worst record in the NBA.

Now, Los Angeles is on a season-best five-game winning streak, are 7-3 in their last 10 games and have the second-most wins in the league since Jan. 7. Per Tankathon’s calculations, the Lakers have just a 1.3 and 1.6 percent chance to wind up with the second or third pick, respectively.

They’re given 1.1 percent odds to wind up with the No. 1 overall pick, which would be delivered to the 76ers.

So while the improvement this season has been a welcomed development for a fan base that’s endured previously unforeseen lows, there’s the possibility of added satisfaction in denying the Celtics yet another top draft pick.

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TAGGED:Boston CelticsLos Angeles Lakers
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers games, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
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