Lakers draft rumors: 'Growing feeling around the league' the Lakers pick is available

In addition to the possibility that the Los Angeles Lakers surrender an asset to trade up with the Minnesota Timberwolves and select Kentucky's Karl-Anthony Towns, there is also a chance that the team could trade its second overall pick for a "young veteran", at least according to Chad Ford of ESPN. When asked about the chances the Lakers would select D'Angelo Russell over Jahlil Okafor with the second overall pick, Ford gave this insight into the team's thinking:

Perhaps. I think Towns is No. 1 on their board. After that, I think they're still figuring this out. Okafor, Russell and Mudiay are all fits. Porzingis is worthy of the pick. And while the Lakers have publicly said their keeping the pick, there's a growing feeling around the league that if they can land a young veteran for the pick, it's available. The Lakers aren't keen on rebuilding if they don't have to. But it would have to take an All-Star caliber young player to make the deal.

In a 2015 NBA draft as hyped and loaded with potential talent as any in NBA history, one would certainly think it would take at least an "All-Star caliber young player" for the Lakers to surrender their second overall selection. However, this report does somewhat clash with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak's earlier statement that the Lakers "can't jeopardize the next 5-7 years just to win during the final year of Kobe's contract by bringing in veterans."

Which one of these assertions is a smokescreen, and which reveals the actual thinking of the front office will be a lot clearer after the draft takes place on June 25th. Until then, fans will just have to buckle up because the rumors are only going to increase from here on out.