Blake Griffin and Kevin Love (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
If it means trading getting a veteran star in return, the Los Angeles Lakers could consider trading their No. 2 pick for the 2016 NBA draft.
The Lakers are in play to select one of the best young talents in this year's draft class using their No. 2 pick. But there is also the possibility of the team trading their top pick for a veteran talent, who could instantly impact LA's success moving forward.
If the Lakers decide to head that path, there is a number of top talented players LA could target. According to Cody Williams of Lake Show Life, Blake Griffin and Kevin Love could be the stars worth the Lakers' No. 2 pick.
Griffin, despite being limited by injuries in the second half of the season and in the playoffs, is still one of the most talented players in the league. During the regular season, Griffin only played 35 games, but was getting it going before being sidelined, averaging 21.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per contest.
Griffin has been linked to trade rumors following an altercation with the Los Angeles Clippers' equipment staff. Adding Griffin to the Lakers' group of youngsters would probably slow down the development of Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr, but the 27-year-old Griffin would certainly be a fit to the Purple and Gold's win-now vision.
While the Clippers have been adamant about not trading Griffin, a package consisting of the No. 2 pick and two of the Lakers' young talents could be enough to entice their in-city rivals to trade away their All-Star power forward.
Meanwhile, Love would also be an integral piece in the Lakers' attempt to get back in contention and hopes to attract top free agents this summer.
Love's role with the Cleveland Cavaliers have been reduced, mostly because of Lebron James and Kyrie Irving's leadership, as well as the emergence of other role players deem effective in the Cavs' system. But the All-Star power forward still posted short of a double-double average with 16.0 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.
Love has also been the topic of several trade rumors before the Feb. 18 deadline, with other NBA teams inquiring about the service of the 27-year-old forward. With Love signed to a multi-year contract with the Cavs, there is a slim chance Cleveland would let go of him, but likewise an enticing package may give the Wine and Gold second thoughts.
There is no guarantee the Clippers and Cavs would give up players who have been essential in their success over the past seasons, but if Griffin and Love becomes available, the Lakers should capitalize in bringing in these types of talented veterans.
