Lakers News: LA Considered Trading For 2021 Top 5 Pick Ahead Of 2023 Draft

Prior to last Thursday's NBA draft, there were rumors swirling everywhere about what the Lakers may do. They elected to not make any major moves and instead used both of their draft picks to take some young players that can help the team next season. But one rumor in particular had some intrigue.

Darren Wolfson of Channel 5 Eyewitness News Minnesota mentioned that the Orlando Magic could look to trade young point guard Jalen Suggs if the team selected Anthony Black with their first round draft pick. Orlando did end up taking Black with their pick so now the future of Suggs in Orlando now is up in the air. He said that the Lakers had some interest in the young player and he could help fill their point guard need.

One of many storylines I’ll be following tonight: If Orlando goes guard at 6, do they then move former Minnehaha Academy standout Jalen Suggs? Buzz = #Lakers one team with interest. Just turned 22, best ball ahead of him, already great defender. pic.twitter.com/P4D8q9nzXH
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 22, 2023

While the Lakers did draft Jalen Hood-Schifino with their first round pick, LA still has a need at the guard position. There is no guarantee that either D'Angelo Russell or Dennis Schröder will be back with the team so getting Suggs could be beneficial.

He averaged 9.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game for the Magic this past season over 53 games. His three-point shot percentage was only at 32.7 for the year but was a massive jump from his rookie year when it was at an abysmal 21.4 percent.

However, Suggs is an athletic guard who could possibly break out with the Lakers. He is still only 22-years-old and is still growing as a player. Suggs was the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft so he has room to grow. LA could do a lot worse than Suggs and the price may not be too high since he didn't have a great year last season.

LA has many options going forward, with Suggs being one of them. This summer is critical for the team as they look to try and get banner 18.

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