Lakers News: LA Completes Trade With Pacers Hours Before NBA Draft

Moving up, we see!

The Los Angeles Lakers have already put on their trading hats on the morning of the 2023 NBA Draft. They have been linked to a number of deals and most of them have included their number 17 pick in the first round.

It's no secret that they have been watching closely as other contenders in the league such as the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics have gotten better after the Bradley Beal trade and the complicated Kristaps Porzingis deal. It feels like as the draft looms closer and closer, LA may look to package their first round pick along with some veteran role players and go after a seasoned win-now name.

Well, they didn't do that just yet but they instead opted to do business with the Indiana Pacers and trade their own 47th pick with cash in exchange for Indiana's number 40 pick. This news was first reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Los Angeles Lakers are acquiring the 40th pick from the Indiana Pacers for No. 47 and cash, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2023

"The Los Angeles Lakers are acquiring the 40th pick from the Indiana Pacers for No. 47 and cash, sources tell ESPN."

This probably wasn't the deal with the Pacers that Lakers fans were expecting to see. The Athletic's Jovan Buha revealed on Wednesday that along with other serviceable options, LA's front office was mulling over a trade to get Myles Turner and Buddy Hield from Indiana once again.

However, Wojnarowski has added that this 40th pick that the Lakers now own is seen to have some real value. Even though they only moved seven spots up, we all know the vast difference that just one spot can make.

The Lakers now own Nos. 17 and 40 on the draft board tonight. They made a move up a board that's believed to have some real second-round value. The Pacers hold four picks tonight, including Nos. 7, 26, 47 and 55. https://t.co/ixRKyUd3dI

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2023

"The Lakers now own Nos. 17 and 40 on the draft board tonight. They made a move up a board that's believed to have some real second-round value. The Pacers hold four picks tonight, including Nos. 7, 26, 47 and 55."

LA struck early with this deal but I definitely do not expect them to be done. Their future rides on this draft in a couple of ways and we'll be sure to keep all of you posted!