Reports: The Lakers Could Trade Down From #17 in the NBA Draft. Smart Idea or Not?

Reports indicate the Lakers might be willing, or even could be seeking, to trade down from the 17th pick in next week's NBA Draft, in order to pick up a few more bites at the Draft apple. That could mean acquiring extra picks this year, or down the road. It might mean drafting more players to try and fill out the back of the roster, and create a pipeline to fill in holes as the Lakers continue through, and then move beyond, the LeBron James/Anthony Davis core. Of course, there has also been chatter that the Lakers could choose to trade the pick for someone who could theoretically help them faster. Indiana's Buddy Hield is a name that comes up a lot. How the Lakers choose to handle the Draft is also impacted by the idea that while most teams do struggle to find rotation caliber players at the end of the first round and into the second, the Lakers have a really good track record. So even if it's not for this season, the idea the team wouldn't be able to find good talent doesn't really match the historical record. These decisions are also impacted by the new CBA, which has more punitive penalties for big spending that go beyond just taxes. Teams lose very valuable strategic flexibility, and that is meant to keep teams, including the Lakers, from going HAM on salaries. For teams that always expect to pay stars (that would be this one, for sure) those cheaper, cost controlled players are that much more valuable. Big trades could impact how the Lakers approach things, too. Brad Beal might be on his way out in Washington, and while a trade won't send him to the Lakers, it could have ripple effects that impact the summer's free agent sweepstakes. So things are complicated! Finally, a listener has a suggestion for LeBron James, and how much he should play next season. How realistic is his plan? Or any plan, for that matter? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Could the Lakers trade down from 17? Should they? SEGMENT 2: How does the new CBA factor into the choices the Lakers might make next week and beyond? SEGMENT 3: What kind of rest plan for LeBron makes sense? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Birddogs Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order. eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed. PrizePicks First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON BetterHelp This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at Betterhelp.com/LockedOnNBA and get 10% off your first month.  FanDuel Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices