Paul George (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers could be looking at dealing their No. 2 pick in the 2016 NBA draft for a "young veteran," who could transform the franchise instantly.
The Lakers will have a chance to select the No. 2 first overall pick in this year's draft after luckily acquiring the right to do so in this week's draft lottery. LA could choose between LSU's Ben Simmons and Duke's Brandon Ingram in draft night, two of the most-coveted youngsters in 2016 draft class, but there are speculations the Lakers could trade the No. 2 pick for an instant upgrade.
According to ESPN NBA insider Chad Ford, reported by Bleacher Report's Chris Roling, the Lakers could possibly move the pick for a young veteran, who could immediately help the franchise get back in their winning ways.
"Multiple sources said at the combine this week that they expect the pick to be in play if it's No. 3-with the Lakers looking for a young veteran in return," Ford claimed.
While there is no definite distinction on Ford's claim of a "young veteran," Roling believes the likes of Indiana Pacers' Paul George fits the label, with the All-Star guard still young at age, but ripe in talent.
George has been linked to numerous trade rumors, particularly to the Lakers, after the Pacers cut their ties to Frank Vogel following another disappointing exit from the playoffs.
Also hearing that the Lakers want to make a BIG run at Paul George with their top-3 pick plus other stuff. (Not that they'd get him...)
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 4, 2016
The Lakers were long considered as suitors to George, a California native, being one of the many teams that tried to lure the 26-year-old to joining the Purple and Gold in the summer of 2014. Any speculations of a homecoming for George seems to have died after the Pacers star accepted a five-year $91.5 million contract to remain in Indiana.
But with the Lakers needing a new star to replace Kobe Bryant in Tinsel town, rumors of George taking his talents to the West Coast have started anew.
The chances for the Lakers to acquire such talented youngster could be more realistic now, thanks to the team's projected max cap space of $62.6 million to absorb George's contract, and the Pacers' unsteady trend in the past years.
While Vogel's removal may not have much of an impact for George to join the Lakers, it still serves as an opening for LA to entice Indiana of trading their star for one of the Lakers' young talents and the No. 2 pick.
Whether the Lakers have a genuine desire to trade for George remains to be seen, but there is certainly an urgency for the 16-time NBA champs to add some talented veteran to help in their cause either via free agency or trade.
