LeBron James in a Lakers jersey
Los Angeles Lakers (DR)

On vacation for many weeks already, the Lakers have only one objective in mind: to strengthen themselves to surround LeBron James in the best possible way to aim for the ring next year.

It is precisely with this in mind that the Californian franchise has just achieved a nice tour de force, which could well relaunch another hot soap opera…

One more frustrating season. While they gained momentum to the point of briefly believing in their title chances, the Lakers had to lay down their arms against the Nuggets in a series that was decided on details.

The situation is now clear: Anthony Davis is 31, LeBron James is 39, and the window to win a new Larry O’Brien trophy is closing dangerously.

Unsurprisingly, the purples and golds are therefore among the teams which should be the most active on the transfer market this summer.

But even before hostilities begin, since the NBA Finals are still to be played, GM Rob Pelinka and his team received very good news from New Orleans.

The Lakers will indeed draft in the first round!

Adrian Wojnarowski has indeed informed the NBA world that the Pels have decided to keep one of the first draft rounds acquired in the Davis trade for next year, in 2025.

In fact, the Lakers, who did not have until here only from the meager 55th choice, will also benefit from the 17th choice!

Sources: The New Orleans Pelicans will postpone their first round draft choice from the Lakers to the year 2025. Thus, LA will be able to select with the 17th choice of the 2024 draft. These conditions are part of the Anthony Davis trade in 2019.

For New Orleans, the choice appears completely logical given the low overall level of the 2024 draft compared to that announced for 2025.

On the Lakers side, two major things should be remembered from this information.

On the one hand, the Angelinos will have a real chance to take a “steal” in their squad, that is to say one day with potential, capable of contributing quickly.

On the other hand, and this is obviously what ignites the internet, the rumors immediately intensified concerning the arrival of Bronny James in LA, alongside his father.

Tweets similar to the one below have been numerous in recent hours:

While the 2024 draft looked rather calm for the Lakers, the purple and gold have just inherited a 17th choice which could well cause a stir. See you at the end of June to find out how Rob Pelinka will play this unexpected card that has just fallen into his hands!