The New Orleans Pelicans have chosen to delay their first-round selection acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers as part of the Anthony Davis deal until 2025. This choice places the Lakers in the 17th overall draft position in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Official Notice Filed
Adrian Wojnarowski and Jonathan Givony of ESPN reported the delay update, which was officially confirmed by the Pelicans submitting notice to the NBA on Saturday. Bobby Marks from ESPN revised the Lakers’ draft assets after the decision.
The Davis Trade Breakdown
During the 2019 trade for Davis, the Lakers traded Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, De’Andre Hunter, Brandon Ingram, money, and multiple draft picks to the Pelicans. This involved a first-round pick for 2024, which the Pelicans can choose to delay until 2025. The trade also included the Washington Wizards, with the Lakers trading Isaac Bonga, Jemerrio Jones, Moritz Wagner, and a 2022 second-round pick to D.C.
Lakers’ Draft Position
In the 2024 NBA Draft, the Lakers have the 17th and 55th overall picks after deferring one of their selections. Jonathan Wasserman from Bleacher Report anticipates that the Lakers will select Yves Messi from Baylor as their pick at No. 17, and Bronny James, a guard from USC and the son of Lakers player LeBron James, as their pick at No. 55.
Roster Decisions Ahead
The Lakers must make important choices to overhaul their lineup following an early playoff elimination by the Denver Nuggets. There have been discussions about incorporating a third star alongside Davis and LeBron James, but the team appears to prioritize improving their supporting players. Jovan Buha of The Athletic thinks they are currently more inclined to improve the surrounding players rather than the three-star system.
Free Agency Considerations
Important figures such as D’Angelo Russell and LeBron James have the option to decline their contracts and become free agents. Nevertheless, James has stated his intention to finish his time as a member of the Lakers. The Lakers need to move fast to make the most of the James-Davis era and strive for another championship. The seventeenth pick could have a major impact on reaching this objective.
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