Lakers News: Pelicans Near Decision On Which LA First Round Pick They Will Take Next

Ricardo Sandoval | Apr 11, 2024

Feb 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Skylar Mays (4) plays for the / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers seem most likely to keep their first-round picks for the upcoming 2024 NBA draft, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor reports.  The New Orleans Pelicans are expected to give the Lakers their draft pick this year and instead take the 2025 first round selection from the Lakers. 

"As a result of the Anthony Davis trade, the Lakers will lose their first-round pick to the Pelicans either this year or next," O'Connor writes. "People around the league expect that the Pelicans will give the Lakers their pick this year and take the 2025 pick. If that's the case, it's hard to fathom that Los Angeles would use the pick on Bronny [James]. Rob Pelinka is far more likely to use it to chase Trae Young or another star in a trade."

This doesn't come as a surprise, considering many NBA experts and pundits believe this draft will be among the worst in years. Currently, the Lakers hold either the 14th or 15th spot in the draft. That pick could be even higher if they lose in the play-in tournament. 

The Lakers will likely not use the picks; instead, they will likely use them in a trade for a third-star player, possibly Atlanta Hawks All-Star point guard Trae Young. 

The Lakers will look to go star hunting this offseason, and whether this season ends in triumph or disappointment, it's the right thing to do. LeBron James will enter his age-40 seasons next year (if he chooses to continue playing), and Anthony Davis will eventually need another star aside from him to lead into the post-James era. 

Also, there is no guarantee that James will be a Laker next season. He can opt out of his player option this offseason and land with a new team. Nothing is set in stone yet; this could be James' last time donning the purple and gold. 

Hunting for the RIGHT third star is a necessity this offseason. Whether they will land one or not is a different story.