Lakers' 2027 1st-Rounder Could be Jazz's All-Star Ace in the Hole
The draft capital acquired in the Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert trades has been trending in the wrong direction for the Utah Jazz. Both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers have rosters built to be competitive for the foreseeable future.
However, this might not be the case regarding the 2027 first-round pick Utah received from the Los Angeles Lakers in the Russell Westbrook trade last season. The Lakers have mortgaged their future, and the timing may not be better for Utah to cash in when LeBron James is long gone.
The Lakers players that are currently signed through the 2027 season are Anthony Davis, Austin Reeves (player option), Jarred Vanderbilt, and Maxwell Lewis. Davis can terminate his contract and become a free agent this summer, but either way, an injury-prone Davis turns 34 during the 2026-27 season.
It still will be in Utah’s best interest if Davis doesn't terminate his contract and forces the Lakers to absorb a projected $59 million cap hit in 2027 (according to Spotrac).
When it comes to a quick rebuild, the Lakers usually have an edge over other franchises in the free-agent market, but that may not be the case this time. Good luck drawing elite players to a franchise that will be in the midst of a major rebuild.
Also, the best players rarely hit the free-agent market, with the NBA adding incentives for players to stay with their current team. 2027 is also a year where the Lakers will be feeling the effect of all the draft capital that was sacrificed in the Davis trade.
The Lakers gave up three first-rounders, including an unprotected first-round pick, in either 2024 or 2025, but the New Orleans Pelicans will likely defer to the year 2025 when Cooper Flagg is available. There's just not enough time between now and 2027 for the Lakers to be considered a contender with what they're facing.
Limited draft capital to use in a trade, a tough sell to free agents who want to win, and a current roster that doesn't have much young talent signed through 2027 is a recipe for some tough years that lie ahead for Lakers fans.
The one caveat of the 2027 pick is that it’s top-four protected, and if it doesn't convey, it becomes a 2027 second-round pick. That’s a boom-or-bust proposition for the Jazz, so it may be in Utah’s best interest to unload the pick before it’s time to cash in.
With these picks so far away, this may feel like a moot point, but when an All-Star talent becomes available via trade, the Jazz will want as much ammunition in a bidding war as possible. Perception is reality, and with the Cavs and Timberwolves' future picks projecting to be out of the lottery, the 2027 Lakers pick could be the ace in the hole that brings an All-Star to Salt Lake City.
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