In an injury-plagued season that contributed to a franchise worst record in 2013-14, GM Mitch Kupchak acknowledged in a recent interview with Lakers.com's Mike Trudell that the upcoming NBA Draft is something the team has been looking towards.
On Tuesday, May 20, the Lakers will find out where that pick will fall. Currently slotted in the No. 6 spot, L.A.'s percentages there are possibilities to move up or down:
- 21.5 percent to move into the top three
- 43.9 to stay in the six slot
- 30.5 to pick seventh
- 4.0 to drop to eighth
- 0.1 to fall to ninth
The 21.5 percent chance the Lakers move into the top three is certainly plausible. In fact, it has happened six times in the last 12 years, including back-to-back years in 2010 and 2011. Below are a list of teams since the lottery was implemented who have moved up from the No. 6 slot to one of the top three picks after the ping pong balls were drawn:
2011: Utah Jazz (*from New Jersey), No. 3
*Utah acquired Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, New Jersey's 2011 first-round pick and Golden State's 2012 first-round pick in exchange for Deron Williams.
2010: Philadelphia 76ers, No. 2
2009: Memphis Grizzlies, No. 2
2007: Portland Trail Blazers, No. 1
2005: Milwaukee Bucks, No. 1
2003: Memphis Grizzlies (*to Detroit), No. 2
*Memphis traded a future first-round pick to Detroit in exchange for Otis Thorpe.
1988: Philadelphia 76ers, No. 3
But should the Lakers remain at No. 6 or even fall to No. 7, which is the most likely scenario, there have been several impact players available at those slots:
2012: Damian Lillard (No. 6), Portland Trail Blazers
2009: Stephen Curry, (No. 7), Golden State Warriors
2006: Brandon Roy (No. 6), Minnesota Timberwolves
2004: Luol Deng (No. 7), Phoenix Suns
2002: Nene (No. 7), Washington Wizards
1995: Antoine Walker (No. 6), Boston Celtics
1995: Damon Stoudamire (No. 7), Toronto Raptors