By virtue of the Anthony Davis trade nearly three years ago, the Los Angeles Lakers entered draft day 2022 without any draft picks.
It is something critics have attacked the Lakers for, as the Davis trade has left the team largely bereft of draft capital over the next few years.
It has been well-known over the last few weeks that L.A. has been looking to somehow acquire a pick in the second round of today’s NBA draft.
The team has also been working out a number of prospects in the expectation that it may nab a pick.
Now, the Lakers have gotten the 35th overall selection in today’s draft.
Via Lakers Daily:
“With just hours to go before the 2022 NBA Draft gets underway, the Los Angeles Lakers have made a move to acquire the No. 35 overall pick in the draft.
“To acquire the pick, the Lakers traded a future second-round pick and cash to the Orlando Magic.”
The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Orlando's pick at No. 35 for a future second-round pick and cash, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2022
L.A. has made the most of second-round selections in recent years, whether they have made the selections themselves or acquired the rights to someone another team took.
The Lakers have turned such opportunities into the likes of Jordan Clarkson, Ivica Zubac and Talen Horton-Tucker, just to name a few.
Don’t be surprised if they find another diamond in the rough today.
