Jahlil Okafor (Photo : Getty Images Sport)
The NBA trade rumors continue and the LA Lakers continue to be at the forefront.
Among the teams that have been eliminated (only eight are left standing) the Lakers are probably the most talked about this week. After their successful coaching hire, the rumors turn to their roster and the possibilities that could happen in the next few months.
The first step towards their grand rebuild is the Draft lottery where they should stay in the top three to keep their pick (which would otherwise go to Philadelphia). What would they do if they get to keep their pick?
The recent barrage of rumors had them trading their shot at the 2016 NBA Draft away for a veteran star, as Lakers Nation covered. The quote from Colin Cowherd is that it didn't matter even if it was the no.1 pick.
There were rumors that the Lakers were actually high on Ben Simmons as he was described as a transcendent talent. However, the Lakers brass are under pressure to make drastic changes after the team has suffered for three straight seasons of mediocrity.
There are potential trade targets this offseason that could possibly change the direction of the team. DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings, Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls, Blake Griffin of the LA Clippers and even Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks are big names that are speculated to change addresses this offseason.
In a recent Jalen and Jacoby podcast at ESPN radio, former player turned analyst Jalen Rose discussed the Lakers rebuilding scheme with his co-host David Jacoby.
Rose offered that he would trade the pick to the Philadelphia 76ers for Jahlil Okafor. He's not exactly a veteran but Rose is looking at the former Duke standout's stable offensive contribution as he averaged 18 points with the Sixers-a team that's not exactly playing to win and does not have a point guard near the caliber of D'Angelo Russell.
Jacoby countered saying Okafor and Julius Randle are redundant, to which Rose suggested that Randle come off the bench.
This move is intriguing as it was confirmed that Luke Walton would run a high speed offense similar to the Warriors when Okafor is an old-school, back-to-the-basket scoring threat. Not that Walton could not coach Okafor but if the Lakers should pursue players that would match the playing style the new coach wants to implement.
Nevertheless, Rose stood by his suggestion and even said "don't be surprised if it actually happened
