The Los Angeles Lakers will have the highest draft pick the franchise has had since selecting Hall of Famer James Worthy back in 1982. The Lakers selected Worthy with the first overall pick out of North Carolina back in 1982 and will likely draft sixth or higher in the upcoming 2014 NBA Draft.
On Friday, GM Mitch Kupchak spoke to the media after wrapping up the exit interviews with the players and head coach Mike D’Antoni. Kupchak was asked about whether the Lakers were consider trading their pick in the draft and said the following according Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters:
Kupchak says there is a possibility they could trade the pick. Says there's not much convo going on right now
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 18, 2014
Uncertainty surrounds the Lakers franchise after the worst season in the team’s history. Injuries plagued the Lakers for a second straight year resulting in an ugly 27-55 record and the team now having to rebuild with a high draft pick.
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Although the 2014 NBA Draft is considered to be chalk full of talented players like Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker and Dante Exum, the Lakers aren’t a franchise known for practicing patience. The three players mentioned could be potential game-changers for the teams that select them, but there’s no guarantee the Lakers will be able to get one of those players at their draft position.
With that being said, trading the pick for a star player like Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves could be a realistic possibility. The Timberwolves have been reluctant to part ways with Love, but they may be forced to do so before potentially losing him for nothing in the summer of 2015.
Love will likely be the biggest name on the trading block leading up to the NBA trade deadline next season. It remains uncertain whether or not Minnesota would part ways with Love for a draft pick, but if that is the case, the Lakers may show considerable interest.
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