The Los Angeles Lakers are willing to trade their first-round (and only current) pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. As is the case with Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the Lakers have aggressively shopped their best trade asset — the No. 22 pick — around the league, and are open to moving up, down, or out of the draft entirely.

For instance: The Lakers reportedly offered Kuzma and the No. 22 pick to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for the No. 13 pick and T.J. Warren. Los Angeles has been talking to the Sacramento Kings about a Buddy Hield deal, which would feature the No. 22 pick. Ditto for any Russell Westbrook blockbuster with the Washington Wizards. The Lakers and Brooklyn Nets have discussed swapping first-rounders and sending Landry Shamet to Los Angeles.

The Lakers don't have an easy route to improve their draft position before Thursday's festivities — especially without including their 2021 first-rounder and/or 20-year old restricted free agent Talen Horton-Tucker (via a complex sign-and-trade).

Los Angeles could, and maybe should, use the pick. The Lakers' recent draft track record is far more hit than miss, no matter where they've selected. The Lakers have found All-Stars in the lottery and quality supporting players later on. Clearly, Rob Pelinka's administration understands how to scout and develop talent. (The Lakers have hosted at least 40 prospects for workouts at their facility in El Segundo this month.)

The Lakers are bordering the salary cap with about two-thirds of their 2020-21 roster set to hit free agency. With money tight, adding an NBA-ready contributor on a rookie deal may be the most prudent move. Plus: the Lakers are not exactly young.

Evidently, Pelinka has been busy on the phone with most, if not all, of the 31 rival front offices, presumably throwing out unappealing offers, because why not? He's gotten no traction yet, and the unmistakable sense of desperation that emanates with word of each Kuzma offer only further depletes his value.

Here's one probably unrealistic draft trade I do like for the Lakers: No. 22 and Kuzma to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for the No. 17 pick.

Now, is Kyle Kuzma worth five draft positions to the Grizz? Probably not, at this precise moment. The Grizzlies might ask for the Lakers' 2027 first-rounder and a handful of future second-rounders, at the very least.

Just for kicks, though, there's no reason for Pelinka not to inquire. Kuzma is a useful and versatile player, and his admirable devotion to hustle plays and the “little things” would fit right into the Grizzlies' vibe. For a team with plenty of youth and looking to take the next step, adding a developed championship-winner who's 25 years old and under a reasonable contract for three more seasons may be more beneficial than a rookie.

Memphis is projected to be roughly $22 million under the cap with nearly a full roster of players under contract for 2021-22. They could absorb Kuzma's salary in a trade that otherwise includes only draft picks.

For the Lakers, picking five spots earlier would increase their chances of landing former Oregon sharpshooter Chris Duarte. As things stand, the trade would vault the Lakers ahead of the New York Knicks (Nos. 19 and 21) — perhaps the most serious threat to take Duarte after the Golden State Warriors at No. 14 and Washington Wizards at No. 15. That's assuming the Knicks don't move up even higher to nab Duarte  — a risky assumption.

If Duarte is gone, the Lakers can aim for Trey Murphy III, Keon Johnson, Ziaire Williams, or Jaden Springer, none of whom may be available at No. 22.

Just food for thought. Whatever happens, Thursday will not be mellow.

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