If not for a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers at this season’s deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers were looking at not having a first-round pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Their pick was due to the Philadelphia 76ers or Boston Celtics, dependent on how the NBA Draft Lottery unfolded.
It wound up going to the 76ers at No. 10 overall, while the Lakers hold the 25th (first round) and 47th (second round) selections. Despite having late selections, the Lakers have a recent track record in unearthing gems.
Among those is Josh Hart, who was taken with the 30th pick in the 2017 Draft.