The New Orleans Pelicans are currently standing sixth in the Western Conference and for the season, they are 47-32. Whereas, the Los Angeles Lakers are ninth in the same conference and for the season, they are 45-35.
According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer via Lakers Daily, the New Orleans Pelicans are anticipated to give the Los Angeles Lakers their first round draft pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and in turn, they will acquire the Lakers 2025 selection.
O’Connor mentioned, "As a result of the Anthony Davis trade, the Lakers will lose their first-round pick to the Pelicans either this year or next. People around the league expect that the Pelicans will give the Lakers their pick this year and take the 2025 pick. If that’s the case, it’s hard to fathom that Los Angeles would use the pick on Bronny [James]. Rob Pelinka is far more likely to use it to chase Trae Young or another star in a trade."
Report: Pelicans expected to give Lakers 2024 first-rounder and keep 2025 pick instead https://t.co/qz0gZV18wt
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 11, 2024
Multiple NBA executives consider that the 2024 NBA Draft is dire and thus, it would be more logical for the New Orleans Pelicans to hold off on selecting a player in the current round and wait for the next year prospects instead.
Bronny James, son of LeBron James, has also recently declared himself for the NBA Draft and it is still unclear if the Lakers will make a move to acquire him or other highly talented prospects.
