The Los Angeles Lakers will try and rebuild this offseason and they will start with the No. 2 pick overall in this year's NBA Draft, either they will be trading it for an established young All-Star or select a budding prospect.
According to a report by Yibada.com, the Lakers have all the tools including a huge cap space and the No. 2 pick to again be contenders.
While almost everyone believes Duke's Jahlil Okafor or Kentucky's Karl Anthony Towns will end up getting picked second-overall in the draft, NBA.com's Scott Howard-Cooper thinks the Lakers are favoring Ohio State point guard D'Angelo Russell more than the two big men.
"Away from the consensus, distanced from the assumptions, there is a logical case to be made for the Lakers to take Ohio State guard D'Angelo Russell with the second pick in the June 25 Draft and not simply inherit the big man the Timberwolves do not take at No. 1," Howard-Copper stated according to Yibada.com.
The Lakers could also use the pick for a trade deal in exchange of a young All-Star as suggested by reports since team general manager Mitch Kupchak did not rule out that option.
ESPN's Chad Ford believes the Lakers would instantly agree to trade the pick for a player who could quickly help the franchise.
According to Ford, Sacramento Kings big man DeMarcus Cousins is a top target for the Lakers if they will trade their No. 2 pick.
He added that the deal will pursue if the Lakers can offer one more pick together with center Jordan Hill and Julius Randle or Jordan Clarkson.
Cousins averaged 24.1 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 blocks per outing last season and is undoubtedly one of the most dominant big men in the NBA.
He can quickly help the Lakers and play alongside veteran Kobe Bryant in the five-time champion's last season.
