With the 2017 NBA Draft just a few days away, things begin to ramp up around potential trades involving draft picks.
One of the latest rumors centers around the possible availability of Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell as Chad Ford of ESPN has hinted that the team could look to move him in exchange for a first-round lottery selection.
Sounds like Lakers are dangling D’Angelo Russell in effort to get another Top 12 pick. Luke Kennard & Zach Collins appear to be targets https://t.co/2NPeEKX4SM
— NBA Big Board (@chadfordinsider) June 20, 2017
Los Angeles has been steadfast in their approach to acquiring more assets prior to the draft on Thursday night. It was reported that the front office had held talks with both the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns to trade down and still take UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball.
This latest attempt to move Russell could put them in the position to grab another young prospect in the draft which could either be Duke guard Luke Kennard or Gonzaga forward Zach Collins. Kennard is coming off a strong sophomore year where he averaged 19.5 points while hitting 43.8 percent from 3-point range.
Meanwhile, Collins worked out for the Lakers on Monday afternoon at their practice facility. He is coming off a productive freshman campaign where he averaged 10.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Collins has proven to be a strong defender at his position at the collegiate ranks that could translate well at the next level.
Ultimately, the Lakers are testing the market to see what potential deals lie out there ahead of the draft later this week.
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