Why The Los Angeles Lakers Need To Go All-In As Soon As Possible

Russell Westbrook and two first-round draft picks for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield has been rumored for months. Victor Wembanyama has emerged as the most hyped draft pick over the past two decades. The Lakers traded for Anthony Davis in 2019. They also traded their 2022 first round draft choice to the New Orleans Pelicans. In that deal, the Pelicans got the right to swap first rounds in 2023. If the Lakers win the lottery, they could be forced to send the rights to Wembenama to New York. If they don't, LeBron James will be 38 years old and they won't be in contention for the first overall pick.

The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to trade James and Davis to the Indiana Pacers. The worst three teams stand just a 14% chance to win the lottery. Most Western Conference teams would rather help the Lakers avoid the Wembanyama scenario. The Pelicans are just biding their time and hoping the Los Lakers implode. They would prefer to build a generational team in New Orleans. It might be in the best interest of most Western teams to help them avoid that.