Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder heads for the basket being chased by Blake Griffin, Chris Paul (top), Darren Collison (R) and J.J. Redick (#4) of the Los Angeles Clippers in the fourth quarter on May 15, 2014 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, during game 6 of their NBA playoffs round two series in which the Thunder defeated the Clippers 104-98 to win the series by four games to two. ; Credit: FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images
Intrigue and trade rumors abound ahead of tonight’s NBA draft. The draft this year has extra importance for Lakers fans as the franchise looks to rebuild with a seventh draft pick in the first round after a dismal 2013-2014 season. Of course, a draft pick is never just a draft pick, and several other options are available to the Lakers: the team could trade it for a few mid- to late first-round picks, for instance, or for a veteran player. A source close to the Lakers told the LA Daily News that the team is “open to anything.”
The draft is just step one in the Lakers’ rebuilding campaign. Free-agency period starts on July 1 and two of the league’s most sought-after players—LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony—have opted out of their existing contracts. Multiple teams, including the Lakers, are looking at ways to add the two superstars to their rosters.
Guest:
Kevin Arnovitz, NBA editor for ESPN.com